Food banks across the region are bracing for a surge in demand after the USDA cut funding for the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA) and the Local Food for Schools Program—two initiatives that helped provide fresh, locally sourced food to food banks and school meal programs.

The Mercer County Food Bank is among those feeling the impact. Executive Director Becky Page says her organization relied on nearly $100,000 annually from the LFPA program to purchase fresh produce. With that funding gone, the food bank must find new ways to fill the gap.

“A cut like this is huge and will have lasting effects on our neighbors facing hunger,” Page said. “Our produce distribution accounts for 19% of the food we provide, and in a resource-poor area like ours, this loss will be felt across the entire community.”

Page says they have already begun reaching out to local foundations and donors in an effort to replace the lost funding before the summer months, when demand typically increases as children lose access to school meals.

Other food banks in the region are also struggling with the cuts. Kim Brock, Director of Operations at Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley, expressed concern over losing the relationships built with local growers through the LFPA program.

“Through the LFPA program, we were able to develop positive relationships with local growers,” Brock said in a statement. “It is our hope that we will be able to continue to work together outside of LFPA funding.”

With fewer federal dollars supporting food assistance programs, food banks are relying more heavily on donations, volunteers, and local partnerships to meet the growing need.

Page encourages the community to step in where they can. “People can help by making a donation, hosting a food drive, or volunteering their time,” she said. “Even planting an extra row in your garden for the food bank can make a difference.”

As food banks work to navigate these funding cuts, they remain focused on their mission: ensuring that families in need continue to have access to fresh, nutritious food.