A Perfect Storm: USDA Cuts Spell Disaster for Food-Insecure Families in North Dakota and Minnesota
As winter fades and spring arrives in Grand Forks, the looming threat of food insecurity is nowhere near abating. Emergency nutrition providers are sounding the alarm about significant cuts to federal food assistance programs, which could place thousands of families in jeopardy along the Red River.
The Ripple Effect of Cuts
Beginning as soon as May, halted and canceled food deliveries to crucial food banks in North Dakota and northern Minnesota are set to create a strain on the very lifeline that sustains countless families. With donations dwindling and demand at an all-time high, local food pantries face an uphill battle.
Susie Novak Boelter, executive director of North Country Food Bank in East Grand Forks, underscores the severity of the situation: “We’re already at a crisis with the availability of food, but we’re looking at a catastrophe.” This sentiment echoes through the doors of food pantries as families grapple with soaring cost-of-living expenses.
Funding Cuts: A Dangerous Precedent
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recently slashed approximately $500 million from The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), a lifeline for low-income Americans needing emergency nutrition assistance. This program, which originated as part of the New Deal, is not only vital for providing food assistance but also supports farmers and overseas food programs.
For instance, the Great Plains Food Bank in Fargo, which services an estimated 151,000 residents through 196 pantries, anticipates losing roughly $294,000 worth of TEFAP deliveries. Communications director Darby Njos reveals that seven significant deliveries totaling around 300,000 pounds of food have already been canceled.
The Impact of Lost Deliveries
The cancelled deliveries include essential items like meat, dairy, and over 11,000 cartons of eggs, which were scheduled for distribution from May through July. With these cancellations, Great Plains Food Bank must reevaluate its operations and strategies moving forward.
In parallel, North Country Food Bank has faced similar obstacles. Novak Boelter confirmed that all USDA-funded orders have been called off, leaving the pantry with a substantial void estimated at 120,000 pounds of food.
A Growing Need Amidst Declining Support
The cuts arrive as food banks face the highest demand for services seen since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Great Plains distributed 15.9 million pounds of food in 2024—a staggering 19% increase from 2023, showcasing the urgent need for assistance in the community. North Country Food Bank reported a record-breaking 7.4 million pounds distributed last year alone, with demand continuing to rise.
Increasing Client Numbers
Local pantries are witnessing unparalleled increases in client needs. For example, Red River Valley Community Action’s food pantry in Grand Forks served 71 households in January, up from 62 a year prior. In Michigan, North Dakota, the pantry has similarly noted an influx of new families, particularly those with children facing job loss.
Unfortunately, the USDA cuts will require food banks to rely more heavily on declining donation levels. Jacqueline Hassett, director of Red River Valley Community Action, admits, “As funds dry up… this will mean less for food banks.” Indeed, with reduced donations, pantry hours have already been slashed in certain areas.
The Local Community Steps Up
As the clouds darken on federal funding, local donations are becoming increasingly critical. Novak Boelter notes that while North Country Food Bank had seen robust support over the years, donations have softened considerably in recent months. Conversely, Njos remains somewhat optimistic, reporting that 61% of Great Plains Food Bank’s offerings still originate from donations.
The Human Cost of Food Insecurity
The repercussions of these cuts are felt deeply by the communities most affected. As Debbie Narum, a dedicated volunteer at Michigan’s food pantry, points out, “It’s a scary time for everyone right now, with the cost of stuff.” With increasing demand spanning different demographics, including families now comprising about 25% of pantry clients, the urgency has escalated.
Suzy Thorson, a registered dietitian, emphasizes that low-income families face difficult choices: splitting funds between rent and healthy food options. This crisis highlights the intricate balance families must maintain while navigating the complexities of food insecurity.
The Road Ahead
The USDA cuts may soon create a ripple effect in the community, further diminishing access to essential nutrition. As organizations rally support to bridge the funding gap, the future appears uncertain for many in Grand Forks and beyond.
In the words of Novak Boelter, “The more rural you are, the more limited access people have to food in the first place.” If strategic community coalitions and local support can come together, there remains a flicker of hope that local food systems can mitigate some of these devastating impacts.
As we navigate these challenges, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and proactive—because for many, a meal is far more than just sustenance; it is a stepping stone toward a brighter future.
