Food banks and pantries across the country are ramping up efforts to provide reassurance and maintain welcoming environments for immigrant communities, amid growing anxiety linked to recent immigration enforcement policies.

Historically, undocumented communities have faced underlying fears when seeking food assistance. As recent studies show, underground food distribution efforts serving undocumented populations gained prominence during the peak of the pandemic in 2020, highlighting an ongoing issue that has now become even more pronounced.

This anxiety intensified after the current administration announced a major policy shift. On its first full day in office, the administration stated immigration enforcement activities could occur in traditionally safe spaces, such as schools and churches – locations frequently used by hunger relief agencies as food distribution points.

The hunger relief community is actively responding by educating immigrants about their rights, establishing clear protocols for potential enforcement actions, training staff and volunteers on how to handle such situations, and in some cases, developing alternate distribution methods to minimize risk.

However, the primary goal remains to foster a sense of warmth and trust. Andrea Williams, President of Oregon Food Bank, emphasized, “A lot of people look to trusted organizations. It’s our responsibility as food banks, relied upon and trusted by many, to serve as stable sources of credible information and reassurance. We don’t want to add to the climate of fear.”

Echoing this sentiment, El Pasoans Fighting Hunger in Texas swiftly responded to community fears, holding a press conference shortly after the administration’s announcement. “We believe food is a human right,” said CEO Susan Goodell. “We remain steadfast, ensuring our community receives the nutrition needed to stay healthy and resilient.”

Despite federal USDA guidelines explicitly not requiring hunger relief agencies to inquire about immigration status or citizenship, state interpretations vary significantly, with some states requesting additional documentation or identification. Ballard Food Bank in Seattle proactively addressed this concern by publicly declaring itself a safe space for all, reaffirming it would neither seek immigration information nor share client identities. In the event of an enforcement attempt, Executive Director Jen Muzia explained that federal agents with warrants would be required to wait outside until legal and city representatives reviewed the paperwork.

“We’re deeply committed to embodying our values of being welcoming and supportive of our community,” Muzia stated firmly. “We’ll continue to uphold those principles.”

CUMAC, a prominent hunger-relief agency in Paterson, New Jersey, is embracing “radical hospitality,” recently opening a welcoming space where clients can enjoy coffee and build connections. CEO Jessica Padilla Gonzalez articulated their philosophy clearly: “When people walk through our doors, we want them to feel seen, heard, respected, and genuinely welcomed. Given current circumstances, conveying this message is more critical than ever. Here, you’re safe. We’re all in this together.”

While detailed attendance data is sparse, several pantries anecdotally report decreased immigrant turnout. Chicago’s Pilsen Food Pantry recently expressed concerns via social media, noting a noticeable absence of regular clients.

To alleviate fears, many food banks and pantries are adopting innovative distribution methods. Ballard has introduced a reservation system, minimizing clients’ waiting times. Additionally, home delivery by trusted volunteers remains highly valued, despite challenges related to manpower and community connection. Pilsen Food Pantry is experimenting with a lottery system, designed to reduce long waits and crowded conditions, emphasizing the health and safety of its clients.

Advocacy remains another crucial pillar of response. Oregon Food Bank continues actively supporting the “Food for All Oregonians” bill, aiming to extend SNAP-like benefits to immigrant and refugee communities excluded from federal programs. As Williams noted, the immigrant community’s fear of enforcement has broader implications, potentially affecting local economies and businesses significantly.

“Communities withdrawing from public spaces have a ripple effect economically,” Williams observed, pointing out that undocumented immigrants alone contribute around $350 million annually in taxes in Oregon. “We’re likely to witness substantial economic repercussions nationwide.”

Despite challenges, food banks and pantries remain determined to offer warmth and support. Muzia of Ballard Food Bank summed up their collective sentiment succinctly: “We’ll continue being exactly who we’ve always been. That’s the most essential thing right now.”