The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a lifeline for local families facing hunger. This federal initiative supplements the diets of low-income individuals and families with fresh and nonperishable food, all sourced from American farms and funded through the U.S. Farm Bill. Food banks like Second Harvest play a crucial role in receiving, storing, and distributing these foods to neighbors across Brevard, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties.
U.S. Representatives Darren Soto and Maxwell Frost recently joined Second Harvest and volunteers in Kissimmee and Orlando to distribute TEFAP products and other essential grocery items. The congressmen helped distribute pantry staples like lentils, canned tomatoes, dried fruit and nuts, along with fresh produce including apples, oranges, cabbage and grapefruit. They also heard first-hand how this food provides security and relief when high prices and unforeseen challenges arise.
“We need to put food on our tables, and we need to be able to provide for our families,” says Jenyffer, a mom living in Osceola County.
“Everything’s gone up: gas, light bills, utilities, everything. It’s hard. It’s hard for everyone, and it’s not getting easier,” shares Alejandro while waiting in line for food. Between losing his job and a cancer diagnosis, his bills are adding up.
When people have access to the food and resources they need to thrive, they can work, learn, grow, and contribute to the prosperity of their communities. By strengthening critical nutrition programs, like TEFAP, in the 2024 Farm Bill, Congress has the unique ability to help seniors, families, children, veterans, farmers, ranchers, growers, and others.
Second Harvest has experienced a 48% decline in TEFAP foods in the last two years. At the same time, more people are reaching out for help with food assistance as inflation wreaks havoc on household budgets in Central Florida.
“We are bridging that gap with food purchases,” explains Derrick Chubbs. “It’s a strain that isn’t sustainable over an extended period. We’re going to need a strong Farm Bill.”
Second Harvest urges elected leaders to champion a robust Farm Bill that supports the American agricultural community and addresses the nutritional needs of families facing financial setbacks, such as reduced income, job loss, stubborn inflation, or unexpected emergencies. Farm Bill support can make a significant difference in the lives of Central Florida neighbors and across the country.
