Reps. Panetta, Young, and Brown Lead Bipartisan Group Requesting Funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program

SALINAS, CA – Today, Reps. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20), Don Young (R-AK-At-large), and Shontel Brown (D-OH-11) led a bipartisan group of 79 Members of Congress requesting the inclusion of additional funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) in upcoming appropriations packages or any additional COVID relief spending legislation. While over 200 food banks and 60,000 local faith-based charitable partner organizations continue to experience an on-average 40 percent increase in demand for food assistance, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food donations to food bank networks have declined by 33 percent each year. This request would ease food assistance supply and demand disparities by providing an additional $900 million in funding for TEFAP.

"Even as we emerge from the pandemic, many Americans still are finding it hard to put food on the table due to increased costs for essential items," said Rep. Panetta. "This additional funding would provide the USDA with more of the tools and resources that it needs to combat the inadequate food supply and hunger that still exists in many homes across our nation. By bolstering TEFAP, we can help bridge the gap to further food assistance for many food insecure families in our communities."

"I know Alaska to be a place where we look out for one another, including ensuring our neighbors do not go hungry. It has been a difficult couple of years for many families and individuals trying to make ends meet and put food on the table. Here is the truth: the COVID-19 pandemic put tremendous strain on our nation's nutrition programs and food banks," said Rep. Young. "The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) has a proven track record of meeting the needs of vulnerable families. I have worked closely with the Food Bank of Alaska, and I know just how vital it is that food banks like it can continue their critical missions -- TEFAP helps eligible organizations do this. I am proud to have the support of Congressman Panetta and Congresswoman Brown as we lead this effort to bolster funding for TEFAP. This resource is a true lifeline, and I call on my friends from both sides of the aisle to join us in this important cause."

"Throughout the pandemic, the Emergency Food Assistance Program has ensured foodbanks have been able to keep up with rising demand and feed hungry Americans. In Ohio, this critical program accounted for around one out of every four pounds of food distributed by foodbanks last year," said Rep. Brown. "In the face of declining food donations, our foodbanks need continued support so they can help struggling families put food on the table. I am proud to join Congressmen Panetta and Young in calling for more funding for this critical lifeline for families in Ohio and across America."

"Thousands more families struggling to work their way out of debt despite ongoing service industry underemployment are at the end of their rope and need our help now more than ever," said Willy Elliot-McCrea, CEO of Santa Cruz County Food Bank. "Even though over 60% of the food we distribute is donated produce, TEFAP represents over 80% of the basic staples we provide. This $900 million TEFAP food will help feed millions of families across America who would have otherwise gone hungry."

"Thank you to Representatives Jimmy Panetta, Don Young, and Shontel Brown for their leadership on a bipartisan letter urging additional funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)," said Vince Hall, Chief Government Relations Officer at Feeding America. "Additional funding for food purchases is critically needed as food banks face continued high demand for food assistance that could outpace food supplies. We urge Congressional leaders to include additional funding for TEFAP in FY2022 spending legislation to help give families access to food assistance."

The letter was sent to the relevant House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee Chairs, and specifically asks for an additional $900 million for the "Commodity Assistance Program" for the emergency food assistance program as authorized by the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, in FY22 spending legislation or any other future spending legislation. Additionally, implementing this request would provide the USDA Secretary with the authority to use up to 20 percent for costs associated with the distribution of commodities.

The letter can be viewed here.

###