By Bekah Clawson, President & CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank
Across our communities, more neighbors are showing up at food pantries and food bank distributions—even when they’re doing everything right. Parents working multiple jobs, seniors on fixed incomes, and veterans who’ve served our country are coming up short as food costs remain high. These are people who value independence and work ethics, but who still struggle to make ends meet.
At Second Harvest Food Bank, we’ve always believed in rolling up our sleeves and getting the job done. No matter how great the need, we step up—because that’s what our neighbors do every day, and they deserve the same from us. But the truth is, we’re facing challenges unlike any we’ve seen before. With food insecurity stubbornly high and grocery prices out of reach, it’s harder for our communities to thrive. More than ever, the moment calls for smart, efficient programs and policies that strengthen – not strain – our economy and our families.
This year, Second Harvest has seen a 20% increase in people seeking help compared to last year—a 50% increase from before the pandemic. Rural communities are resilient, but they face real challenges: higher food insecurity and fewer resources, especially access to food and health care.
We adapt quickly to meet the moment. But lasting change requires more than emergency food, it requires public policy that supports dignity, opportunity, and resilience. We’re proud to serve our neighbors, but we need strong federal nutrition programs to make our work possible.
The recent budget reconciliation bill made meaningful improvements for some U.S. farmers and producers. But there’s more work to be done. If a farm bill moves forward this year, we’re counting on lawmakers to strengthen our agricultural sector and economy while protecting vital nutrition programs. These programs help individuals put food on the table, care for their families, and keep communities thriving.
Supporting programs like The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) isn’t about increasing big government—it’s about smart government. TEFAP keeps locally grown food in our communities, supports working families, reduces food waste, and helps people get back on their feet without long-term dependence.
This is a moment to stand united. We’re calling on elected officials, businesses, faith communities, and individuals to stand with us—to get more food on our shelves, more meals to our neighbors, and more opportunities for everyone to thrive.
When we support one another, our whole community grows stronger.