USDA program cuts emptying shelves of Alabama food shelters
By Scott Minshall,
2025-03-25BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WIAT ) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has cut funding to two nutritional food programs.
The effect is being felt by food banks in Alabama who said they will lose millions of pounds in food as a result.
The Community Food Bank of Central Alabama said within the last week and a half, the USDA has ended the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program. A USDA spokesperson stated it’s a COVID-era plan that is no longer sustainable.
Cuts have also been made to the Emergency Food Assistance Program. Both programs provided food to places like the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama.
“This is healthy options, healthy shelf-stable goods, but then also healthy fresh vegetable, fresh fruits,” said David McGarr, the food bank’s communications manager. “Things that people need to live a healthy nutritious life.”
McGarr said the changes are why these shelves are empty.
“These funds were frozen in January, and in the last week and a half, they have been cut,” McGarr said.
Alabama House passes bill that would notify parents of child’s traffic ticketFood distribution sites like the Salvation Army said they have not been impacted by the change. CBS 42 News looked around the Salvation Army of Greater Birmingham’s food pantry with area commander Robert Lyle.
He said it receives about half of its food from the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama. Despite the cuts to some programs, he’s not worried about the future of his pantry.
“We know if things get tough, we can put a plea out, and people will come forward,” Lyle said. “These churches in this community are loving people.”
The Community Food Bank of Central Alabama said while it’s changing some of the ways it operates, it will continue to serve everyone in need. It’s asking for donations to help fill the gap of what it has lost because of these program cuts.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
Comments / 47
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Golden Gate Media
Social Security Payments to Arrive Later in May: Here's the Reason Behind Delay
Sacramento residents and Social Security recipients nationwide can expect changes to their payments this May. Nearly 74 million Americans will receive benefits electronically, with payment dates based on birth dates. For those born between the 1st and 10th, payments will arrive on May 14. Beneficiaries born from the 11th to 20th will see payments on May 21, while those born after the 20th will be paid on May 28.
RANGE
A 12-year-old killed herself at a Spokane hospital that recently closed its youth psychiatric unit
This story was originally published by InvestigateWest , a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to change-making investigative journalism. Sign up for their Watchdog Weekly newsletter to receive stories like this one in your inbox. Reach Whitney Bryen at 208-918-2458 or whitney@investigatewest.org. Reach Kaylee Tornay at 503-877-4108 or kaylee@investigatewest.org.
The Shenandoah (PA) Sentinel
Morristown Minute
Man Guilty of Trafficking Meth, Fentanyl, and Heroin in Federal Case
Donovan Elliot, 61, admitted to distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl-laced heroin, with sentencing scheduled for September in New Jersey. A Queens Village, New York, man pleaded guilty in federal court in Newark to drug trafficking charges involving multiple kilograms of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and fentanyl-laced heroin, federal prosecutors announced.
DeanLand
Jack Beavers
Dianna Carney
Local Dog Rescue Reveals They're in Need of More Foster Homes
If you've ever considered opening your heart and home to a furry friend in need of a place to rest until they find their forever family, then Sandy Paws Rescue Inc. might be looking for you. The foster-based dog rescue located in Massachusetts recently shared with their community that they are in need of more folks to step up and become a foster home for their dogs in need. By becoming a foster pet parent, you can make a direct impact in saving lives while helping dogs transition to their permanent homes.
Golden Gate Media
Tired, dehydrated, overheated dog found collapsed on California freeway; Officers help save her life
OAKLAND, Calif. — A dog suffering from severe heat exhaustion was rescued by California Highway Patrol officers on Friday, May 16, after it was found lying in the middle of a busy Oakland freeway, the CHP stated.
Margaret Minnicks
Virginia Commonwealth University withholds degrees of several students during commencement ceremony
Several graduation ceremonies occurred in Richmond, Virginia on Saturday, May 10, 2025. However, the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) commencement ceremony will be different from the others.
Comments /