Federal funding cuts hit Feeding the Gulf Coast food bank
Feeding the Gulf Coast serves three states and 24 counties. President and CEO Michael Ledger told WKRG News 5 that the impacts of the lack of funding will hit hard within the next couple of months.
Spring Hill College ends stipends to SGA members due to ongoing budget issues
'Unfortunately, hunger rates continue to rise, and so the food we need today is greater than ever,' Ledger said.
In the past year, the food bank hit a new record of providing 35 million meals to those in need. Five million of those meal boxes are funded through federal programs like LFPA.
'It seems unlikely that we are going to meet that record again,' Ledger said.
LFPA helped provide funds for food banks to purchase fresh produce from local small farmers. Over 35% of their food supplies are fresh produce.
'It has made a great difference locally to buy from a farmer down the street, get it here and then into the hands of a neighbor in need,' Ledger said.
Ledger said he hopes the Trump administration will recognize the empty shelves and the need to feed the hungry and will find a solution.
WEATHER ALERT: Severe storms likely Saturday into Saturday night
Right now, he is calling on the community to help donate and volunteer their time.
'Together we are going to fight our way through this and meet the need,' Ledger said.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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