by UPB Editor, July 11, 2025
As we enter our new fiscal year, we have been faced with the very sad reality that funds for feeding those in need have been decreased by millions of dollars.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) was recently ordered to significantly reduce funding The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). Massachusetts food banks alone are facing a cancellation of $3.5 million worth of anticipated food items. This translates to a potential 30% drop in free and reduced price foods from The Greater Boston Food Bank who is our primary supplier. In early March, the state also lost $12 million previously expected for the purchase of local food from over 500 farms in the state. Much of this food was to be used in school programs to feed our children.
We will be spending this year raising money to offset these cuts so that we can continue our programming.
We appreciate the support from our community during this time of uncertainty. If you feel compelled, you may donate at brooklinefoodpantry.networkforgood.com or read more at brooklinefoodpantry.org.
You can find the most recent legislation news and the impact it has on Massachusetts food assistance programs at projectbread.org.
Thank you!
