Major Setback for Second Harvest Food Bank: Thousands of Meals at Risk
MARYVILLE, Tenn. – The Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee has been dealt a significant blow with the cancellation of 21 tractor-trailer loads of USDA commodities, totaling a staggering $722,000 in food. This devastating decision comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture amid broader federal funding cuts that threaten food bank operations nationwide.
A Looming Crisis for Food Assistance
Officials at Second Harvest have voiced urgent concerns that families in East Tennessee who depend on food assistance are likely to face serious shortages in the coming months. The canceled shipments, funded by the Commodities Credit Corporation, have become a casualty of a federal review process, according to Matthew Blondell from Second Harvest.
This critical program is part of the Emergency Food Assistance Program administered by the USDA, designed to help communities combat hunger. Unfortunately, changes in federal policy—specifically funding cuts implemented during the previous administration—are having a ripple effect throughout the food supply network.
The Scale of Impact
"This cancellation means 500 million dollars’ worth of food deliveries nationwide have been halted until July as the funding undergoes review," Blondell stated. The effects will be felt keenly across East Tennessee, impacting over 31,000 residents in the 18 counties served by Second Harvest each month. Learn more about these significant challenges here.
“The loss of these shipments is significant and impacts a critical element of our hunger-relief programs for communities in need,” says Second Harvest management.
Taking Action During a Critical Time
In light of this dire situation, Second Harvest is actively seeking to replace the lost products. The canceled shipments, which were scheduled to arrive between April and July, represent over 377,000 pounds of food. "While we’re concerned by the diminished capacity to serve our neighbors, we remain committed to strengthening food access for East Tennesseans and providing adequate nutrition for a healthy life,” insists Elaine Streno, executive director of Second Harvest.
Community Support is Essential
As they navigate this challenging landscape, Streno urges the community to rally together. "This is a crucial time for our community to step up. We ask the public to continue supporting our hunger-relief efforts by hosting food drives and providing financial support. Together, we can ensure that over 200,000 individuals affected by food insecurity receive the nutrition they need," she asserts.
How You Can Help
If you’d like to learn more about Second Harvest's food access programs or contribute to their essential work, please visit SecondHarvestETN.org.
Together, with community support and collective action, we can work to alleviate hunger and ensure that no family in East Tennessee is left behind during these crucial times.
