SEATTLE, Wash. — Local food banks in Washington state are facing the loss of 7 million pounds of food due to potential federal budget cuts. Food Lifeline, which serves 300 food banks and assists 1.7 million people, is urging community support to protect programs that help low-income families, schools, and local farmers.
Food Lifeline distributed 70 million pounds of food last year, but the proposed cuts could reduce resources by 10%, severely impacting food distribution. Mark Coleman, a spokesperson for the organization, said the cuts would be devastating for families already struggling with food insecurity.
“These programs have been critical for years, and now they’re at risk,” Coleman said. “We’re seeing increasing demand due to inflation and supply chain issues.”
One in eight families in western Washington relies on food banks. The cuts would impact essential programs like the Local Food for Schools Program, which helps provide fresh food for schools and childcare centers, and TEFAP, which supports low-income communities.
Coleman also noted that local farmers, who expanded operations to meet demand, could face financial hardship due to these cuts.
The Food Research & Action Center warns that budget reductions could strip free meal access from 475,000 students in Washington, forcing more families to turn to food banks. Food bank visits have already increased by 20%.
“These cuts will hurt families and children who depend on school meals as their only hot meal of the day,” Coleman said.
As Washington faces a $12 billion budget shortfall, further cuts could impact school programs and senior meal services. Despite these challenges, Food Lifeline plans to seek alternative funding sources.
“We’re committed to being there when people need us,” Coleman said. “But we need the community’s support now more than ever.”
Related topics:
