A local food bank in Danville, Virginia, is facing a significant challenge as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prepares to scale back funding for a vital program. The facility, known as God’s Storehouse, has long depended on this initiative to supply much-needed resources. Karen Harris, the executive director, expressed deep concern about the timing of this decision, given the concurrent drop in community contributions.

The operation at God’s Storehouse hinges on two primary sources: charitable gifts and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program. Under this system, agricultural producers sell their goods to the USDA, which subsequently distributes them to food banks across the country. Unfortunately, the USDA has declared that it will not allocate additional funds for this initiative this year. Harris explained that they frequently need to bolster their supplies with donated and purchased items, fearing an inevitable reduction in USDA provisions.

Harris highlighted that a substantial portion of their clientele—around 60 percent—qualifies for USDA-supported food assistance. These individuals often rely on programs such as food stamps, Medicaid, or Supplemental Security Income. In addition to the potential loss of federal support, the food bank has also observed a concerning decline in donations, recording an 8 percent decrease compared to the previous year. To address these challenges, Harris fervently appeals for public support, urging people to contribute canned goods, financial aid, and volunteer hours. This call underscores the importance of community solidarity in overcoming adversity and ensuring no one goes hungry.