Latest news with #ElPasoansFightingHunger
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
El Pasoans Fighting Hunger to adjust operations amid ‘unstable' funding
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — El Pasoans Fighting Hunger (EPFH) Food Bank says it remains at crisis levels while funding is unstable and will adjust food distribution operations to a four-day schedule, the non-profit organization said in a press release on Monday, March 17. The non-profit says it will hold a press conference at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 17, at its headquarters located at 9541 Plaza Circle to discuss the operational changes. 'Despite our best efforts to meet the growing need, post-COVID fundraising has dropped while need remains high, and government food assistance programs are becoming increasingly unstable. The recent news of a $1 billion cut in federal food assistance grants underscores the challenges food banks across the country are experiencing. As one of the most food-insecure regions in the U.S., El Paso is uniquely vulnerable to these shifts,' the non-profit said. The non-profit says it will be adjusting food distribution operations to a four-day schedule which will be Tuesday through Friday. Partner pantry distributions will be adjusted to align with available resources, the non-profit said. 'El Pasoans Fighting Hunger remains committed to feeding our neighbors in need, but we are in a difficult position,' said Susan Goodell, CEO of EPFH. 'The reality is, with fewer resources, we must make tough decisions to protect core operations even as we navigate this funding crisis. With a limited local food supply, we must be laser-focused on bringing the most nutritious food into El Paso for our most vulnerable neighbors.' Those who want to help can donate by clicking here: How to help – EPFH or by volunteering. For more information on volunteering, click here: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank bracing for impact amid USDA program cuts
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) canceled two federal programs that provided about $1 billion in federal funds to schools and food banks to buy food directly from local farms. One of the programs being cut is called the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA). The program allowed local food banks like El Pasoans Fighting Hunger to buy fresh produce. 'It's been a great program over time. The food bank here in El Paso has been awarded about $2.2 million to purchase food from small farmers. The next round was supposed to take effect this summer,' said Susan Goodell, CEO of El Pasoans Fighting Hunger. Goodell adds that the recent cuts will impact the food bank like others across the country. 'The vast majority, over 99 percent of the food that we get here in this community is donated. We cannot depend on local food supplies because we're a desert. And so, there's very little food production here in El Paso. So, we are reliant on programs like LFPA and like getting food from other parts of the country,' Goodell said. Goodell said that in addition to the program cuts, another concern for the food bank is the potential tariffs on goods coming from Canada and Mexico. 'Over 40 percent of our food supply is fresh produce, and a very large percentage of that comes from Mexico. There's just so much to try to navigate right now. And I don't have answers, but we are doing our very best to handle all of the things coming at us,' she said. Officials add that donations are especially important right now, and every dollar donated is quickly converted into seven meals for someone in need. To donate, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
EPCC, El Pasoans Fighting Hunger partner for ‘grocery giveaway'
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — El Paso Community College (EPCC) and El Pasoans Fighting Hunger hosted a 'grocery giveaway' on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at the Transmountain Campus. EPCC says several hundred people lined up to receive food like fruit, vegetables, chips, potatoes, canned goods, and liquids, all free and available to students, faculty, staff, and the community. 'The shipments have dozens of varieties, so we are distributing the food as best as possible,' Elizabeth Martinez, EPCC Accounting major and New Student Orientation volunteer, said. 'Inflation is tough, so it helps with food insecurities everywhere, and good to have a healthy meal as well.' EPCC and El Pasoans Fighting Hunger have partnered in the past, the first being in July of last year at the Valle Verde Campus, then again in October at Mission del Paso, and lastly in December at the Rio Grande campus. 'According to the Trellis Strategies Student Financial Wellness Survey, 45 percent of EPCC students experienced food insecurity in Fall 2023,' EPCC said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
