Greater Cleveland Food Bank faces massive food shortage

The Greater Cleveland Food Bank is facing a serious issue as it could lose millions of pounds of food. This comes after recent cuts to federal funding under the Trump administration and the cancellation of food deliveries. Leaders of the food bank express concerns that these changes could impact their ability to help families in Northeast Ohio who are already struggling with food insecurity. Recently, it was announced that 20 semi-truck loads of food, each containing 100,000 pounds, have been canceled. Around three million pounds of food initially expected this year may also not arrive. Food bank officials have noticed that most of their USDA orders are being returned, which raises red flags about future food supplies. Kristin Warzocha, the food bank's president, noted that nearly half of the food the bank distributed last year came from state and federal sources. Changes to federal food programs, such as the elimination of funding for local food purchases, have only added to the worry. The food bank was expecting about one million pounds of food from these programs. Ohio's proposed state budget also includes a cut in funding for food banks, decreasing from $32 million to $24.5 million. Warzocha emphasized the need for continued support from the USDA and called for a strong partnership to ensure the community can be fed. The food bank serves about 424,000 individuals every year, with many being first-time recipients. In response to the challenges, the Greater Cleveland Food Bank has launched its annual Harvest for Hunger campaign to encourage community contributions. Warzocha is also meeting with government officials to advocate for restored funding at both the state and federal levels. U.S. Representative Shontel Brown expressed that the cuts threaten essential support for local farmers and food assistance programs. She criticized the funding reductions as harmful to Ohio families. Warzocha reassured the public that the food bank will continue to assist those in need and provide as much healthy food as possible.