House Committee on Agriculture Vice Ranking Member Shontel Brown (OH-11) was joined by Ranking Member Angie Craig (MN-02) on a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins expressing deep concern regarding the Trump administration’s decision to stop $500 million in Commodity Credit Corporation funding for food banks allocated through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).

The letter, signed by 102 House Democrats, comes as families, food banks, and farmers face significant food shortages and economic uncertainty. The cut was felt immediately, including in Ohio, Minnesota and nationwide. 

Brown’s letter states, “For many families, emergency food assistance programs provide a critical safety net. With more than 47 million Americans experiencing food insecurity, including 1 in 5 children, access to sufficient and nutritious food remains a top priority. In 2023 alone, food banks and pantries assisted approximately 50 million Americans, relying heavily on federally purchased commodities to supplement their resources.” 

The letter continues, “Beyond the direct impact on individuals and families, these potential funding cuts also raise concerns for U.S. farmers and food producers who contribute to the TEFAP supply chain. Disruptions in purchasing commitments could have adverse effects on the agricultural sector, exacerbating challenges posed by supply chain instability, tariffs, and economic pressures.”

Brown, Craig, and Democratic signatories are seeking information from USDA on if TEFAP funding has been permanently rescinded, if previously approved purchases have been cancelled, and if USDA has any plans to offset these reductions or address potential shortfalls in federal assistance. The letter asks for a response from USDA by April 18, 2025. 

The Emergency Food Assistance Program is a USDA program that supports farmers and helps supplement the diets of people with low income by providing 100 percent American-grown foods to food banks.