() Food banks nationwide are facing increased inflation, high demand and distribution shortages in the wake of at least $1 billion in federal funding cuts by the Trump administration.

The Department of Agriculture slashed $500 million from its Emergency Food Assistance Program, which supplies more than a fifth of what the Feeding America network distributes.

Another $1 billion was cut for hunger relief programs supporting local producers, such as the Local Food for Schools program, resulting in the decreased availability of fresh food.

Food banks report 25-40% spike in need

Food banks are feeding record numbers so far this year, with many reporting a surge in need of nearly 25% to 40%, according to Feeding America. That demand has collided with shrinking supply and increased food prices.

“The cost of living is just crushing people right now,” said James Cunningham, head chef at Bread and Roses Soup Kitchen in Venice, California. “Even folks with jobs can afford rent and food at the same time, and with a lot of the support programs getting cut, more people are slipping through the cracks.”

The shelves aren’t just low; in many places, they’re bare. In some rural counties, federal programs provide up to 50% of all food for local pantries, but this year those deliveries have been scaled back or stopped altogether.

SNAP cuts may harm food pantries

President Donald Trump’s recently passed megabill includes cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, affecting hundreds of thousands of Americans.

In Illinois, for example, the budget package indicates $186 million in cuts to SNAP over the next 10 years. Of the 1.8 million Illinoisans who rely on SNAP each year, lawmakers have said about 360,000 are at risk of losing coverage.

“It’s going to be tough because we’re doing more than ever, but we are unable to fill the gap if SNAP access is reduced,” said John Sillars, chief executive of Second Harvest Food Bank in New Orleans. “For every one meal we provide, SNAP provides nine.”

Inflation isn’t helping, and the end of the pandemic SNAP boost is leaving millions with less to spend. Food banks have adapted, with new partnerships and food recovery plans, but they say it’s not enough.

“The biggest concern is not being able to help people,” said Mike Manning, president of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. “That’s all we do. Our mission is to help people who really need assistance, especially children and seniors, really get to us personally, because they’re so dependent on us.”

USDA reviewing new funding strategies

The USDA said it is reviewing “alternative funding strategies.”

In the meantime, food banks have said they’re trying to be creative with their services to make the food they do have stretch further.