TEFAP Cuts Hit Food Pantry: What It Means for River Falls and How You Can Help
The River Falls Food Pantry is feeling the effects of recent federal funding cuts, and the impact may soon be visible on the shelves.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), a federal initiative designed to supplement the diets of low-income individuals, provides emergency food at no cost to recipients. For the River Falls Food Pantry, TEFAP typically supplies 10 to 15% of all distributed food. However, due to budget reductions, the USDA has announced that allotments of key protein items—milk, cheese, poultry, pork, and eggs—have been canceled. While nonperishable items will still be available through the program, this change leaves a significant gap in what the pantry can offer.
“We cannot be certain of the future but hope the impact is minimal,” said Candice Anderson, our Executive Director. “We will do our best to offset the added expense without disrupting the ability to operate as an organization.”
The pantry spent $350,000 on food last fiscal year, averaging $10,000 to $20,000 per month. These figures fluctuate based on food prices and community needs. Most of their food is purchased through the St. Croix Valley Food Bank, but unfortunately, not all items once available through TEFAP can be sourced elsewhere, especially proteins, which are rarely purchased directly due to cost.
Despite the challenge, the pantry remains committed to serving all who come through its doors. “It’s our neighbors coming in here,” Anderson said. “Young, old, working people, senior citizens, working families, that visit us for one reason or another. We always want to be better than we were before.”
The pantry is calling on the community for support. Donations of funds or food can help bridge the gap left by the federal cuts and ensure no one in the River Falls area goes hungry. Those interested in helping can contact us in person, via email, or by phone, or by making an online donation.
To learn more about this funding cut, check out the full article from the Pierce County Journal.