Community Food Bank Seeks Urgent Donations to Combat Rising Food Insecurity Amid Economic Challenges and Federal Program Cuts

As economic challenges deepen and federal assistance programs face significant cuts, communities across the nation are grappling with a surge in food insecurity. The Community Food Bank (CFB), which is now Feeding Tampa Bay’s Regional Distribution Organization (RDO) for Citrus, Hernando, and Sumter counties, is seeing unprecedented demand in the need for food assistance. Working families and individuals are finding it harder than ever to put meals on the table. In response to this growing crisis, the CFB is urgently calling on residents, businesses, and organizations to consider becoming a hunger hero by offering donations and support.

“Recent economic challenges have profoundly affected our local communities, exacerbating food insecurity at an alarming rate,” explains Barbara Sprague, CEO/Executive Director of the CFB. “Job losses, rising living costs, and reduced wages have left many families struggling to put meals on the table. As expenses for essentials like housing, utilities, and healthcare continue to climb, less money is available for nutritious food, pushing more individuals and households into hunger.”

Compounding this issue are recent cuts to federal assistance programs that many vulnerable families rely on for support. These reductions have created a widening gap between the growing need for food aid and the resources available to meet it.

“We are now witnessing unprecedented demand, and early projections indicate at least a 30% increase in individuals who will need food assistance in the coming months,” says Sprague. “The strain on the CFB and our 75+ partner agencies is immense, thus the critical need for increased donations and support to sustain our efforts in providing essential nourishment to those who need it most.”

The CFB serves as a vital lifeline, providing nourishing food to more than 120,000 individuals in need each month. The surge in demand has significantly strained the CFB’s resources, and without immediate support, the organization risks falling short in meeting the basic needs of our neighbors.

“Without urgent action, the ripple effects of economic hardship will continue to deepen food insecurity, impacting the health and well-being of countless individuals across our communities,” explains Sprague.