The SLO Food Bank is preparing for severe reductions in state and federal funding at a time when the need for food assistance in San Luis Obispo County is at an all-time high.
The SLO Food Bank is now serving an average of 45,000 people each month—more than during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic—driven by rising food and living costs.
SLO Food Bank CEO Molly Kern reports that budget cuts are coming from multiple sources, including a $600,000 loss from the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA), a $400,000 reduction in CalFood Funding, and a potential 20% decrease from the USDA’s Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). These cuts threaten vital programs that provide fresh, locally grown produce and essential groceries to thousands of families, seniors, and rural residents in need.
Despite these challenges, SLO Food Bank remains resilient. With over 70% of its funding coming from local donors and businesses, the organization is confident it can continue to feed the community. Every donated dollar provides four nutritious meals for neighbors facing hunger. Community support is now more crucial than ever as the food bank navigates reduced government assistance and record-high demand.
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Donate or volunteer today to nourish SLO County.