Food banks across the country are bracing for a difficult spring. Already stretched thin by high demand, many are now receiving fewer government food deliveries—just as more families are turning to them for help.
The Trump administration has paused or cut more than $1 billion in funding from two key U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs that helped distribute food to low-income communities. While the administration claims the goal is to reduce federal spending and lower inflation, food banks warn that the impact will be felt by millions of Americans who rely on them for food.
What Changed: Key USDA Programs Halted
Two major USDA programs have been paused or cut, leaving food banks with fewer resources. The first is The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which buys staples like produce, dairy, and meat from U.S. farmers and sends them to local food pantries. The second is the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program, which enables food banks to purchase food directly from nearby farms, supporting local agriculture while feeding families.
According to Reuters, “the USDA is reviewing the program and had paused half of TEFAP funding—$500 million.” The LFPA program, which had provided about $500 million annually, has been fully canceled. While the USDA has stated that some purchases are still being made, many food banks report fewer shipments and no clear answers.
These programs were especially critical in rural areas and during emergencies, filling gaps in access and nutrition.
What This Means for Food Banks and Families
Across multiple states, food banks are already feeling the loss. In West Virginia, the Mountaineer Food Bank estimates that about 40% of its expected April deliveries will be canceled—including essentials like eggs, milk, and cheese. That loss can affect hundreds of pantries in the region.
In Illinois, nearly $21 million in USDA food assistance has been cut or frozen recently. Julie Yurko, CEO of Northern Illinois Food Bank, told Reuters, “We are going to have less produce to give to our neighbors.”
For many food pantries, the change is visible. One volunteer in Charleston, West Virginia, reported that a recent USDA delivery consisted of just two boxes of potato flakes, some shelf-stable milk, and a few cases of canned beans. “It’s dreary, it’s very frightening. We’re all losing sleep,” she said. The rising need and shrinking supply mean families could face longer lines and fewer options.
What Happens Next?
Right now, the USDA has not confirmed if paused funding will be restored. Advocacy groups like Feeding America have urged the agency to act quickly before supplies run too low. However, until a decision is made, food banks are left scrambling to stretch their resources.
Many organizations are turning to local donations or surplus food from restaurants and stores, but it’s not enough to fill the gap. As one volunteer told Reuters, “Before the Trump administration began, the deliveries filled an 18-wheeler… now, we may have to halt meal service altogether.”
For the millions of Americans facing food insecurity, the stakes are high—and growing.
