Wise Giving Wednesday: Supporting Food Banks Impacted by Federal Funding Cuts

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calendar icon Mar 26, 2025

Recent federal cuts in funding to key food assistance programs are putting added pressure on food banks already navigating inflation, fundraising challenges, and increased demand.

Why Food Banks Are Under Pressure Right Now

Food banks across the country are scrambling as $1 billion in federal funding has been either cut or canceled. USDA canceled funding to the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program, which supplies about $500 million per year to food banks, schools, and organizations in underserved communities. Additionally, USDA has paused another $500 million in funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) while under review.  These cuts, whether permanent or temporary, add another layer of stress to food banks already taxed by high inflation and low fundraising income. Many food banks are expecting to be able to offer less produce, meat, cheese, milk, and other staples.

While the extent of any funding starts, stops or cuts is hard to predict, charities need consistent funding to do their work. Cuts or even supply chain disruption to these charities jeopardizes deliveries of hundreds of thousands of pounds of food, affecting those reliant on the food from the pantries but also the local farmers who rely on the income.

How You Can Help Food Banks Meet Rising Needs

According to a 2023 Feeding America study, one in every six Americans was helped by food banks, a 38% increase from 2021. With so much uncertainly, charities and donors are needed to help fill in shortages. Here are some ways you can help:
  • Visit Feeding America (a BBB Accredited Charity) to help locate a food bank near you.
  • Before you give to a food pantry, reach out to find out what they need. While in-kind gifts may be appreciated, with funding cuts, many organizations also will need cash donations for food procurement or to “keep the lights on.”
  • Check out charity reports on Give.org to see if your area food bank meets our 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.

Heart of Giving Podcast: Dan Porterfield & Robert Diggs on Redefining Talent in Higher Education

This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features Part 1 of a program that includes Aspen Institute CEO and Former Franklin & Marshall College President - Dan Porterfield. He discusses his book "Mindset Matters" which explores how colleges can nurture talent in students from all backgrounds. He is joined by F&M alum Robert Diggs discussing the transformative power of higher education. 

Explore Three of Our Latest Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.