Our Statement on USDA Elimination of Vital Hunger Data

A personal note from the Food Bank team:

I am fortunate to have an inquisitive four-year-old who loves to ask questions about what I do for work and why I do it. My answers over the years have expanded she learns more of the world. I used to say, "Mama helps feed families" and nowadays share, "Mama works with many people that share food and other things to help children grow and families enjoy healthy meals together".

So many of you and your partner agencies come immediately to mind and heart as I share that with her. How many of your sites I've been to, how many of you I've gotten a chance to know and connect with, how many of you have shared your personal stories with me and others at the Food Bank in addition to the services your partner agency provides. I am proud of all of us when I share with her what we do. 

It's further reinforced when I drive with her around our part of the state with her whether on our way to the grocery store or time exploring towns and cities for day trips. I've lost count how many times we've driven by one of your doors and I've pointed out to her that you are a partner agency, that the work you do is similar to the work her Mama does, and that many families are getting to enjoy food at dinner tonight like we do because of it. That is a sentiment I've been saying even to myself all these years working at the Food Bank - whenever I drive by your sites and distributions, all across the 34 counties, how many families will savor their time together over a meal tonight because of you. 

I am certain my daughter will continue to ask about my work for years to come. It will be interesting to find ways to explain to her as she understands more and more of the world we live in what it is we all do and why food insecurity exists. It also though provides me the opportunity to explain to her how many people come together to care for one another, to find solutions for their community together, and let the inspiration of each and every one of you fuel a future service-oriented person like her. 

We all have reasons we do this work and show up every day giving our best. Please know that what you do matters to our community, to parents like me when we teach our children what it means to be a helper and live in service, and to little four-year olds like my daughter as she forms her own sense of self and role in our community.

Her Mama feeds families and so do you. How simple and pure hearted that is, and yet how complex it can feel to achieve that with all that it takes to be thoughtful, impactful, and effective in what we do. Please, keep it simple and clear for yourself the why for all of this, never lose your heart for it, and let us know how we at the Food Bank can be working alongside you that much more. 

Thank you for all that you do,

– Caitlin Cohn Director of Network Strategy & Engagement

August is Partner Agency Appreciation Month here at the Food Bank. 

And while we certainly celebrate our network’s incredible impact year-round, we want to take a moment to express our deep gratitude for all our partners do — because our shared mission to end hunger is only as strong as the relationships we foster in our communities. The challenge of food insecurity within our communities is vast — and we can only find success if we work collaboratively to serve, engage in advocacy work, and build solutions together.  

Since the Food Bank network was established in 1980, we’ve significantly expanded the resources we provide to our neighbors. Our shared growth has only been possible due to the power of the collective — now at 700+ local programs throughout the region — who have been feeding communities for decades. We value these partnerships more than anything.  

This work is made possible through community connections across the partner agency network – neighbors, donors, volunteers, and a host of community-focused organizations. 

Our network's tireless dedication, commitment to service, and willingness to go above and beyond fuel our work.  Partner agencies show up for our neighbors during natural disasters, government shutdowns, and other challenging times — and we are so grateful to be in partnership with countless dedicated hunger relief advocates.  

Every pantry I visit, without fail, someone brings up Food Lion. A story about an associate who went above and beyond. A load of protein that showed up right when they needed it. A relationship that feels real, not transactional. That’s the kind of partnership Food Lion built with us. We are so grateful for the work Food Lion does every single day to end hunger in our community. 

– Amy Beros Food Bank President & CEO