The Greater Chicago Food Depository applauds the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to provide nearly $1 billion in additional funding for emergency food assistance.
At a time when the need for food in the community remains above pre-COVID levels, this commitment of extra resources is welcome news for the Food Depository, our local partners and food banks throughout Feeding America’s national network.
According to Friday’s (June 23) announcement, USDA’s nearly $1 billion investment in the emergency food network will allow Illinois and other states to order American-grown commodities from USDA for emergency food providers, like food banks and community kitchens. This latest round of funding, in addition to the nearly $1 billion previously provided in September 2022, will greatly help emergency food providers like the Food Depository as they continue to serve their neighbors in need amid high demand, elevated food prices and the loss of pandemic-era SNAP emergency benefits.
Elevated need will persist in 2023 and beyond as families continue to struggle to regain financial stability following several years of unprecedented challenges.
Anti-hunger advocates nationwide, including Feeding America member food banks and our local partner networks, have been advocating for additional action from the federal government as our nation’s hunger crisis continues. Today’s announcement highlights the continued need for a consistent, reliable increase in annual funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) in the upcoming Farm Bill to ensure that our neighbors receive the nutrition they need to thrive.
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