LifeWorks Food Statistics Show Need for Farm Bill Funding

The federal Farm Bill governs a number of food programs nationally, as well as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which serves low-income families. Congress is scheduled to reauthorize the bill this year. Right now, New York State is holding listening sessions in many areas to understand local priorities and needs that should be included in the reauthorization.

 Recently, LifeWorks Food Program Director Angelo Calbone offered these remarks at a session with Congressman Paul Tonko, who represents Saratoga County in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Throughout the pandemic, the pantry network witnessed proof of concept when funds flowed directly to the public—for example, through enhanced SNAP, the Child Tax Credit, and unemployment. Our demand was below pre-pandemic levels. In the months and years since then, as funding was eliminated, inflation and economic uncertainty continued. LifeWorks is now seeing triple the pre-pandemic demand for our pantry services.

At LifeWorks and at agencies throughout the Capital Region, use of food assistance programs has consistently increased. Pandemic-era increases in funding for hunger-relief programs such as SNAP and HPNAP have ended, but the demand has not.

Just as inflation is affecting our neighbors, it is also affecting our pantries.

The availability of salvage goods has decreased markedly. Where we could previously obtain more than 40 cans of salvage product for $6, we must now spend as much as $20 to purchase just 24 cans. This is not sustainable.

In an effort to play a greater role in discussions around significant topics such as the funding of initiatives covered under the Farm Bill, the LifeWorks Board of Directors is forming a Policy & Advocacy Committee. As the county’s largest provider and coordinator of economic relief services, we are able to offer a unique perspective on the needs of our neighbors.