Hunger relief organizations across the U.S. are battling against the mounting pressures of surging inflation, supply chain disruptions, and dwindling federal aid, in an effort to maintain their supply amidst increased demand. Hunger relief specialists, from large food banks to small pantries, are calling these challenges a “perfect storm”, resulting in heightened demand for food and constricting supply lines.

In response, USDA recently announced the allocation of an additional $943 million to emergency food providers through the Commodity Credit Corp. Furthermore, an extra $500 million in aid will be injected into the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program and another $500 million will support school lunch and breakfast programs. Food banks can begin placing orders in the fiscal year 2023, with deliveries scheduled throughout fiscal years 2023 and 2024.

“In my experience since 1998, these challenges are unprecedented,” lamented Julie Chase-Morefield, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio. The combined effect of soaring inflation, reaching a 40-year high of 8.5% in July 2022, and supply chain constraints are dampening the purchasing power of both food banks and clients, while also driving up transportation costs.

Government aid, which was well mobilized during the pandemic, has either ceased or is on the verge of stopping. Meanwhile, TEFAP assistance to food banks has also fallen dramatically. Farm Share, an independent food bank in Florida, estimates a nationwide drop of 340% in TEFAP food by the end of 2022, compared to its 2020 peak.

Hunger relief organizations are finding it difficult to reconcile these metrics. In response, they are pursuing various strategies, such as lobbying government bodies, enhancing produce distribution pathways, bolstering relationships with grocery donors, and intensifying fundraising efforts.

Farm Share, witnessing a 200% increase in food demand compared to pre-pandemic levels, appealed to Florida’s congressional delegates, urging federal support to supplement TEFAP for food banks. “Immediate Congressional intervention is crucial to help all food banks navigate this period,” stated Stephen Shelley, CEO of Farm Share. He emphasized that the legislative path for TEFAP increases via the farm bill, due for renewal in 2023, would be too delayed to address current crises.

The Ohio Association of Food Banks is lobbying for the release of American Rescue Plan Act funds, as the state’s 12 Feeding America food banks report a 64% decline in USDA food since 2019 and more than 275 cancelled food loads in the past six months. They are seeking an immediate $50 million infusion to procure much-needed food and an additional $133 million to build long-term capacity.

To overcome current challenges, food banks are rejuvenating their relationships with grocers. North Texas Food Bank has expanded its percentage of donated food to 59% by increasing the number of its retail donors by 21%. In other cases, community cash donations are assisting in sustaining food bank operations, like the Atlanta Community Food Bank, where fundraising levels have roughly doubled from pre-pandemic times.

Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio, however, is operating at a deficit, with its budget for purchased food escalating from $600,000 in 2019 to $1.9 million currently. Though their donors have been “extraordinarily supportive,” Chase-Morefield said, “we’re in the red on purchasing food right now. This situation is untenable.” While some food banks are hopeful about increased community support, others are bracing for potential cutbacks.