Navigating Change Together
Meredith Knopp
A Greek Philosopher named Heraclitus is known for his philosophy that “the only constant in life is change”. Change is a central aspect of the universe, and this phrase captures the idea that the only thing that remains consistent is the constant state of flux.
What is most important, with any change, is not the change itself but how we react and respond. Many changes are out of our control, but our response is a test we must always strive to not just pass, but ace.
In our region, conversations this time of year often revolve around the weather. Is this warm weather here to stay, or is it a “false spring”? This year, in addition to wondering what the weather changes will look like, many conversations are centered around the potential for change that is happening on a national level.
We are actively monitoring updates from Washington, D.C., and working tirelessly with local, regional, and national partners, including Feeding America, to understand and respond to the potential impact of federal funding cuts across agencies like the Department of Agriculture. Possible cuts to the House Committee on Agriculture, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, and the Senate Finance Committee could impact critical programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), Medicare, Medicaid, and Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA). Cuts made to these programs would not only impact families, children, and seniors but would also adversely affect the farmers in our region.
Last week, we were notified of an immediate freeze of Illinois LFPA funding – a program that last month we were told was funded through 2026. LFPA funds are vital for sourcing fresh produce, protein, and dairy from our local farmers. This freeze directly impacts the incomes of our local farmers, cuts off a crucial food supply, and reduces our capacity to meet the growing needs of our community. We are now unable to purchase these critical products from our local farmers, which is challenging all around.
Additionally, our network of nearly 600 partner food pantries and our mobile distributions are preparing for a surge in demand. Job losses across our region are causing stress and strain and could potentially push more individuals and families into food insecurity. Simply put, job losses translate into longer lines and greater need at a time when our resources are also being depleted.
While we do not know what the future holds, we are already beginning to experience the repercussions of these funding changes and are actively working on ways to continue to provide food and resources for our community.
Adding to these changes, the looming threat of a government shutdown on March 14, 2025, would further impact our funding and force many federal employees within our community to seek food assistance. This would exacerbate the need for the St. Louis Area Foodbank to step up and support thousands of neighbors across our region.
I am proud of our team and the actions we are taking to lean into uncertainty, just as we did during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are actively assessing the evolving situation and developing contingency plans. We are convening a meeting with food manufacturers, retailers, and donors to help provide answers to questions that we may be asked sooner rather than later. We are actively looking for ways to minimize disruptions to serving our community. Above all, we remain committed to providing steadfast leadership, innovative solutions, food, and hope to the bi-state region- today, tomorrow, and in the future.
We have a history of navigating any changes that come our way and are truly fortunate to have the trust and commitment of our community to come alongside us, as you have during uncertain times in the past. We do not take this for granted, and we want to thank those in advance who have already reached out, asking how you can help support the St. Louis Area Foodbank so we can support and strengthen our community. From the bottom of our hearts – we thank you!
We are committed to providing transparent updates as more information becomes available and remain steadfast in our commitment to the 26 counties that we serve. If you can help support the St. Louis Area Foodbank through a financial gift or gift of stock, we would be grateful for your generosity and partnership. To make a difference today, please visit https://stlfoodbank.org/give-funds/.
Always grateful,
Meredith
