5:21 PM Monday, April 7, 2025
Golden Valley Faces Growing Food Insecurity Amid Federal Funding Cuts
The landscape of food support in Golden Valley is shifting dramatically as federal budget cuts cast a shadow over local nonprofits like PRISM, which is addressing emergency food needs in the community. **PRISM, known for its commitment to hunger relief**, is grappling with **an alarming increase in demand against a backdrop of dwindling resources**.
The Impact of Federal Cuts on Local Food Assistance
At the heart of PRISM’s operation is funding from the **Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)**, which relies heavily on grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and support from the Federal Farm Bill. **Alisha Weis**, PRISM’s Advancement Director, expressed concerns as recent cuts from the USDA have slashed TEFAP funding by **30 to 40%**, translating to a staggering loss of **1,800 to 2,400 pounds of food**.
Weis articulated the uncertainty surrounding the future of food assistance, detailing the pervasive atmosphere of fear: **“There are still a lot of unknowns. The questions linger: ‘Will funding be cut further? Will emergency support come back?’”** Such uncertainty adds an additional layer of worry for families already facing hunger.
Rising Demand for Services
As funding diminishes, the demand for PRISM’s services is on the rise. The organization supports **30 new families daily**, leading to **over 500 visits** to their food shelf each week. **PRISM’s open-door policy**, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis, sets it apart from many local food shelves requiring appointments or geographic restrictions. Weis noted, **“When your cabinets are bare, you need support immediately; hunger doesn’t wait weeks for an appointment.”**
A visitor selects food at PRISM’s marketplace. In light of federal funding cuts, the need for assistance has never been greater.
How You Can Make a Difference
In these challenging times, there are numerous opportunities for community members to support PRISM and help bridge the gap left by federal cuts. **Monetary donations are invaluable**, allowing PRISM to purchase food items in bulk and maximize their resources. Furthermore, **physical donations of groceries** are just as crucial, providing variety and nourishment to those in need.
One exciting way to contribute is through PRISM’s upcoming **Taste of the ‘Burbs fundraiser**, which will take place on **Thursday, May 8**. Though one venue’s tickets have sold out, there are still spots available at another location. This fantastic event promises a delectable dinner, a cash bar, and exciting fundraising activities, including a silent auction.
Just last month, Minnesota food banks, including **Second Harvest Heartland**, made a fervent appeal for increased funding at the state Capitol during discussions on statewide food security.
Join the fight against hunger in Golden Valley and neighboring communities like **[Crystal](https://ccxmedia.org/city/crystal/)**, **[New Hope](https://ccxmedia.org/city/new-hope/)**, and **[Robbinsdale](https://ccxmedia.org/city/robbinsdale/)**. Together, we can strive for a future where no one goes hungry—a future that we can build through kindness, involvement, and community solidarity.
