Delaware Nonprofits Say Cuts Are Hurting the State’s Most Vulnerable

Cuts to AmeriCorps and USDA food aid are having an impact on services for Delaware’s most underserved communities, state leaders tell WHYY.

Cathy Kanefsky, CEO of the Food Bank of Delaware, told the station:

“Due to recent federal funding cuts, we lost 19 truckloads of food expected to arrive between April and July,” Kanefsky said. “We were expecting hard-to-get food — milk, eggs, frozen meat, fruits, vegetables and more.”

The cut represents nearly 30% of the bank’s anticipated deliveries for the year — 900,000 meals that won’t reach seniors, working families and children who rely on them. Added to those challenges, Kanefsky said supply costs are rising.

“Our vendor has indicated that cranberry sauce will increase $7 to $10 a case starting next week,” she noted. “Decreased USDA foods and an increased cost to purchase that food will be detrimental to our work.”