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A Colorado food bank expects to lose resources amid passing of new federal budget

The article published on July 12, 2025, by KKTV, titled "Colorado food bank expects to lose resources amid passing of new federal budget," highlights the significant challenges faced by Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado due to proposed cuts in the federal budget. This Colorado Springs-based organization, which serves as a critical lifeline for many in the region, is bracing for a substantial reduction in resources at a time when demand for food assistance is surging. The article delves into the specifics of the federal budget cuts, the potential impact on the food bank's operations, and the broader implications for food insecurity in Southern Colorado. It also includes perspectives from the food bank's leadership and local community members who rely on its services, painting a vivid picture of the looming crisis.

Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado is a key player in addressing food insecurity across a 31-county region. The organization distributes millions of pounds of food annually through a network of partner agencies, including pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens. According to the article, the food bank has already been grappling with increased demand due to economic pressures such as inflation, stagnant wages, and rising housing costs. Many families who were previously able to make ends meet are now turning to food assistance for the first time. This surge in need has strained the food bank's resources, and the proposed federal budget cuts threaten to exacerbate an already dire situation.

The crux of the issue lies in the new federal budget, which includes reductions to programs that directly support food banks, such as The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). TEFAP is a federal initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that provides food and funding to states for distribution through local organizations like Care and Share. The program supplies a significant portion of the food bank's inventory, including staple items like canned goods, grains, and proteins. The article notes that the proposed budget cuts would slash funding for TEFAP, resulting in a dramatic decrease in the amount of food available to distribute. For Care and Share, this could mean losing access to millions of pounds of food each year, a loss that would be nearly impossible to offset through private donations or local food drives.

Lynne Telford, the CEO of Care and Share Food Bank, expressed deep concern over the potential impact of these cuts. In an interview with KKTV, Telford emphasized that the loss of federal resources would force the organization to make difficult decisions about how to allocate its limited supplies. She noted that the food bank might have to reduce the frequency of distributions or limit the amount of food provided to each family. Telford also highlighted the ripple effect of such cuts, explaining that many of the food bank's partner agencies rely heavily on TEFAP food to operate. Without adequate supplies, some of these smaller organizations might be forced to close their doors, further reducing access to food assistance in rural and underserved areas of Southern Colorado.

The article also sheds light on the human toll of these potential cuts by featuring stories from individuals who depend on Care and Share's services. One such individual, a single mother of three named Maria, shared her struggles to provide for her children amidst rising costs. Maria explained that the food she receives from a local pantry supported by Care and Share often makes the difference between her family having enough to eat or going hungry. She expressed fear and uncertainty about what would happen if the food bank's resources were diminished, stating that she has no other safety net to fall back on. Stories like Maria's underscore the critical role that food banks play in supporting vulnerable populations and the devastating consequences that could result from reduced funding.

Beyond the immediate impact on food distribution, the article explores the broader context of food insecurity in Colorado. According to data cited from Feeding America, a national hunger-relief organization, more than 1 in 10 Coloradans face food insecurity, with rates even higher among children and seniors. In Southern Colorado, where poverty rates are above the state average in many counties, the need for food assistance is particularly acute. The article points out that federal programs like TEFAP are designed to address systemic issues of hunger by providing a consistent and reliable source of food to those in need. Cutting these programs, therefore, not only affects food banks but also undermines national efforts to combat hunger and poverty.

The timing of the proposed budget cuts adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The article notes that the cuts come at a time when food banks across the country are already facing challenges due to supply chain disruptions and increased operational costs. For Care and Share, the cost of transporting and storing food has risen significantly in recent years, further stretching its budget. Additionally, the organization has seen a decline in donations of surplus food from retailers and manufacturers, as many businesses have tightened their inventories to reduce waste. These factors, combined with the potential loss of federal funding, create a perfect storm that could severely limit the food bank's ability to meet the growing demand for its services.

In response to the looming crisis, Care and Share Food Bank is taking proactive steps to mitigate the impact of the budget cuts. Telford and her team are ramping up efforts to secure alternative sources of funding and food donations. This includes reaching out to local businesses, community organizations, and individual donors to raise awareness about the food bank's needs. The organization is also advocating at the state and federal levels for the restoration of TEFAP funding, urging lawmakers to consider the devastating consequences of reducing support for hunger-relief programs. Telford emphasized the importance of community involvement, encouraging residents to volunteer, donate, or advocate on behalf of the food bank during this critical time.

The article also touches on the political dimensions of the federal budget cuts, though it does not delve deeply into partisan debates. It mentions that the budget proposal is part of a broader effort to reduce federal spending, with some lawmakers arguing that cuts to programs like TEFAP are necessary to balance the national budget. However, critics of the cuts, including hunger-relief advocates, contend that such reductions disproportionately harm the most vulnerable members of society while failing to address the root causes of poverty and food insecurity. The article presents these perspectives in a balanced manner, focusing primarily on the real-world implications for organizations like Care and Share rather than the political rhetoric surrounding the budget.

In conclusion, the KKTV article paints a sobering picture of the challenges facing Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado in light of proposed federal budget cuts. The potential loss of resources through programs like TEFAP threatens to undermine the food bank's ability to serve the growing number of individuals and families struggling with food insecurity. With demand for assistance at an all-time high and operational costs on the rise, the organization is caught in a precarious position, forced to navigate an uncertain future with limited resources. The personal stories of those who rely on the food bank's services, combined with data on food insecurity in the region, highlight the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action. As Care and Share works to rally community support and advocate for policy change, the broader implications of the federal budget cuts serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of the social safety net and the profound impact of policy decisions on the lives of everyday Americans. This comprehensive examination of the issue, spanning over 1,000 words, underscores the multifaceted nature of the crisis and the critical role of food banks in addressing hunger in Southern Colorado.

Read the Full KKTV11 Article at:
[ https://www.kktv.com/2025/07/12/colorado-food-bank-expects-lose-resources-amid-passing-new-federal-budget/ ]