Food banks and hunger-relief groups urge larger investments as proposed funding falls short of recent levels

Food-bank and hunger-relief advocates told the committee the state’s proposed funding for the hunger-relief system is welcome but insufficient.

Peter White (Food Group) and Sophie Wallerstedt (Second Harvest Heartland) said demand and food prices have risen sharply. Wallerstedt cited Federal Reserve data that food prices have increased about 30% since 2019 and warned that reduced SNAP benefits will increase pressure on food shelves. White said the proposed amount represented about a 25% reduction from the funding food shelves have relied on in recent years and urged additional support so the network can maintain hours and services.

Both witnesses asked the committee to press legislative leadership to increase support and emphasized that one-time funds received in prior years helped but that sustained investment is needed to stabilize emergency food systems.

The committee took testimony; no appropriation vote was taken during the hearing.