The organization is raising a minimum of $150,000 this Big Day of Giving, which runs through May 1, to fund its Public Community Food Distributions. Photo courtesy of Yolo Food Bank

WOODLAND, CA (MPG) – When the United States Department of Agriculture cuts were announced earlier this year, food banks across the country sounded the alarm. For organizations like Yolo Food Bank, the timing couldn’t be worse. Due to the abrupt cancellation of vital USDA programs, Yolo Food Bank is anticipating a financial hit of over $750,000 in the upcoming fiscal year. This includes cuts to both the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program and the TEFAP Commodity Credit Corporation, two critical funding sources that help sustain food access. At the same time, $1.3 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds, emergency dollars that have supported operations since the pandemic, are set to expire this year. Together, these losses total more than $2 million, a staggering shortfall from Yolo Food Bank’s $5.1 million operating budget.

Should there be additional federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid there will be even more devastating consequences in Yolo County. These essential programs support low-income families, children, seniors, students, and other vulnerable groups. As a rural county with the highest poverty rate in California, according to the Public Policy Institute of California, and the highest self-reported food insecurity rate, surpassing both state and national averages, Yolo County cannot afford these cuts. Nearly one in three households here are food insecure, and with demand already up 18% this year, Yolo Food Bank is facing an escalating crisis.

As the situation at the federal level changes, Yolo Food Bank is developing mitigation strategies to navigate the impacts of these federal funding losses. Photo courtesy of Yolo Food Bank

“If resources continue to decline, we may have no choice but to reduce the amount of food families receive at our public food distributions,” said Karen Baker, Executive Director of Yolo Food Bank. “We’re calling on local leaders, policymakers, and our community to take action. Without financial and legislative support, we won’t be able to meet the growing need. We’re doing everything we can, but we can’t do it alone. It will take all of us to keep food on every table in Yolo County.”

Cuts to the Local Food Purchase Assistance program are especially significant for an agricultural county like Yolo where local farmers supply food not just to our own residents, but to the greater Sacramento region and beyond. The program was designed to strengthen local food supply chains. By supporting farmers, the Local Food Purchase Assistance program helped ensure that nutritious, locally grown food was available to the community, including vulnerable populations.

By supporting farmers, the Local Food Purchase Assistance program helped ensure that nutritious, locally grown food was available to the community, including vulnerable populations. Photo courtesy of Yolo Food Bank

“Yolo County is facing a rising need for food and fewer resources to service those in need throughout our community, leaving our most vulnerable people in worse circumstances,” said Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters). “No one, especially our kids, seniors, and working families, should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. Food banks throughout my assembly district provide lifesaving resources for those experiencing food insecurity. Food is a basic human right, and together, we must make sure no one is left hungry.”

As the situation at the federal level changes, Yolo Food Bank is developing mitigation strategies to navigate the impacts of these federal funding losses. With fewer federal supplies, Yolo Food Bank must now purchase food that previously came through government programs. The organization has been in communication with its partner agencies, elected officials, and community of supporters to keep them abreast of the consequences.

As the region rallies for the Big Day of Giving, Yolo Food Bank is calling on residents to stand with neighbors facing food insecurity. Photo courtesy of Yolo Food Bank

“The challenge is significant, but thanks to generous donors, farmers, food retailers, and an army of volunteers each month, Yolo Food Bank can stretch every dollar further than most people imagine,” said Baker. “Thanks to our partnership with food retailers through the Feeding America network, we can leverage donations so that just $8 can help feed a household for a week, $32 can help feed a household for a month, and $384 can help support a family for an entire year.”

The organization is raising a minimum of $150,000 this Big Day of Giving, which runs through May 1, to fund its Public Community Food Distributions, its most vital hunger relief program that feeds over 9,300 households each month. As the region rallies for the Big Day of Giving, Yolo Food Bank is calling on residents to stand with neighbors facing food insecurity. For Yolo Food Bank the message is clear: food is not a privilege, it’s a right. And with the help of the Yolo County community, that right can be protected for everyone who calls this place home.

To learn more about Yolo Food Bank please visit: https://yolofoodbank.org/