By Andi Anderson
Over 100 billion pounds of food is wasted annually in the United States. To counter this, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) initiated the Farm to Food Bank program, aiming to minimize food waste by linking local farmers and food pantries. However, the program's continuity is contingent upon its inclusion and allocation of funds in the upcoming farm bill.
At the Northern Illinois Food Bank, increased demand for assistance has been observed, aligning with the national trend where 13% of U.S. families reported facing food insecurity in 2022. Efforts to distribute holiday meal boxes to food pantries have intensified, indicating the rising need for aid.
Through Farm to Food Bank, the Northern Illinois Food Bank has been able to provide local produce, amounting to 400,000 pounds of rescued food that would have otherwise gone unused. The program, authorized under the 2018 farm bill, has effectively repurposed surplus food, distributing over $7 million to state agencies for its execution, including states like Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, and Michigan.
While the Farm to Food Bank initiative operates in 28 states, efforts continue to expand its reach, especially in agriculturally rich states like Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma, emphasizing the potential to convert unharvested food into resources for vulnerable families.
Illinois stands out by instituting a state-funded Farm to Food Bank initiative through legislation, ensuring program continuity irrespective of federal funding. This commitment not only provides stability but also empowers farmers to diversify their produce without the fear of market instability. The initiative covers costs for farmers, enabling them to redirect food that would otherwise go to waste.
The Illinois program's success lies in its ability to rescue surplus produce, such as apples, broccoli, and squash, preventing farm losses due to unsellable or unmarketable goods. This process aids farmers like Wayne Sirles of Rendleman Orchards, enabling them to transport surplus food to warehouses and distribution points for food banks.
The Farm to Food Bank initiative benefits both consumers and farmers, ensuring surplus produce reaches those in need while also offering stability and options for agricultural producers. Through federal and state support, the program aims to expand, potentially encompassing additional food categories like protein and dairy.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fatcamera
Categories: Illinois, General