The Douglas County food bank, Just Food, is bracing for a substantial reduction in food supplies over the coming months due to federal cuts. These cuts will result in a 30% decrease in food deliveries for a program that serves over 5,500 individuals locally. The source of this food, Harvesters, has canceled orders for thousands of cases of essential items such as meat, dairy, eggs, and dried fruit scheduled for distribution from April through August. This development impacts The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which plays a critical role in supporting low-income households by providing them with necessary food resources.

Just Food typically distributes between 6,000 to 8,000 pounds of TEFAP food each month. According to Jessica Cooney, director of impact at Just Food, losing 30% of these shipments will significantly affect their operations. With grocery prices remaining high and economic uncertainty persisting, many families already struggle to make ends meet. Such reductions exacerbate the strain on both families relying on food assistance and organizations striving to support them.

Amid these challenges, Just Food seeks community support to ensure local households maintain access to nutritious food. Community members can contribute by donating funds, providing non-perishable food items, or contacting elected officials to advocate for robust federal nutrition programs.

In light of these federal cuts, the situation underscores the importance of community solidarity in addressing food insecurity. By rallying together, communities can help mitigate the adverse effects of reduced federal assistance, ensuring that vulnerable populations continue to receive the sustenance they need. Through collective action and advocacy, there remains hope for overcoming these obstacles and sustaining vital food assistance programs.