USDA Allocates Funding to Combat Hunger and Support Local Food Banks Ahead of Thanksgiving

During Thanksgiving, a time for celebrating with loved ones and reflecting on what we're grateful for, not everyone has enough food to enjoy. 

To help those facing hunger, especially in rural, remote, and less served areas, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is giving an extra $500 million to help stock food pantries with fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

USDA Undersecretary Jennifer Moffitt highlights that this money boosts the ability of local food banks and pantries to meet their communities' needs. 

They can buy directly from local farmers and ranchers, which also helps the local economy. Specifically, Indiana food banks and pantries received $12 million through the Department of Agriculture.

This $500 million adds to another $1.5 billion provided since 2022 to support emergency food across the country. Moffitt points out that this funding aims to bring together farmers and the Emergency Food Network, enabling the sale of farm products to food banks, grocery stores, and restaurants at fair prices.

There are about 94,000 farmers in Indiana, and this financial help is crucial as the demand for food assistance remains high, says Victor Garcia, who leads the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. 

The need for food has stayed at the high levels seen during the pandemic, and rising food prices make it harder to source enough supplies. 

According to Garcia, extra support through programs like the Food Purchase Assistance Program or the Emergency Food Assistance Program is vital in reducing the gap between the food available and the demand.

The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, for example, helps around 60,000 people each month access food. Funding like this from the USDA is a crucial step in ensuring that everyone has enough to eat, especially during the holidays.

This effort is part of a broader push to fight food insecurity and support those in need, showing the USDA's commitment to reaching communities and enhancing local economies by connecting them with the produce from their own farmers.

Check out: December 2024 SNAP Payment Schedule: What You Need to Know

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