Ozarks Meals Harvest will lose roughly $ three million in meals this yr after the cuts to the emergency help program of the USA Division of Agriculture (USDA) (TEFAP). The USDA confirmed on March 28 that $ 500 million in meals purchases for Tefap, initially introduced final yr, have been completely canceled.
Because of this, the Meals Financial institution will face a major meals hole this yr, which can have an effect on native communities in southwest Missouri, the place 1 in 5 kids and 1 in 6 adults face starvation. Tefap, which offers nutritious meals to meals banks all through the nation, represents about 25% of the meals that the meals harvest is distributed to its community of 270 native useful organizations. A 3rd of canceled orders had been protein articles equivalent to beef, rooster, eggs and pork, that are among the many most costly meals to make sure.
Whereas the USDA not too long ago accepted $ 261 million for purchases of fruits, greens and tree nuts to distribute by Tefap, it’s not clear when these orders will arrive.
To assist meet the best meals demand this yr, Ozarks Meals Harvest is asking for group assist. Donations might be performed on-line in Ozarksfoodharvest.org. For every greenback donated, the Meals Financial institution can present $ 10 in groceries to needy households.
For extra info, go to Ozarksfoodharvest.org.