Recent federal budget cuts have significantly impacted food banks across the country, and the food pantry at Jewish Family Service is no exception.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has eliminated more than $1 billion in funding for programs that helped schools and food banks purchase food. These cuts include $660 million for the Local Food for Schools program and $420 million for the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement. For years, these USDA programs played a crucial role in ensuring that food banks could keep their shelves stocked and provide nutritious food to families in need, including those in Tidewater. The removal of these essential programs, part of a broader push to reduce federal spending, leaves vulnerable communities struggling to access basic food supplies.
The JFS food pantry feeds seniors on fixed incomes, parents struggling to feed their children, and individuals facing unexpected hardships. “These are our community members and neighbors that are all seeing the effects of this funding shortfall. With the rising cost of groceries, the need for food assistance is greater than ever,” says Kelly Burroughs, Jewish Family Service CEO.
The abrupt termination of these funding sources has had an immediate effect. The JFS pantry, which relies on support from the Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia, now faces severe shortages.
Emily Krouse, JFS special projects coordinator, speaks of the stark reality of empty shelves where essential items once stood. “Our shelves are nearly bare, and now more than ever, we need your support to help those in need. We need the help of the Jewish community to come together to support our food pantry.”
With a deep-rooted tradition of Tikkun Olam, Jews have always stepped up in times of crisis. This is one of those moments.
Donations of non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, and hygiene products may be dropped off at the JFS Pantry box located in front of the Sandler Family Campus.
For information about food donations, contact Emily Krouse at ekrouse@jfshamptonroads.org or 757-321-2227. For monetary donations, contact Brooke Rush at brush@jfshamptonroads.org or 757-321-2238.
Federal cuts to food assistance devastate JFS Food Pantry
