Earlier today, the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association held a press conference in South Portland, Maine, to hear from Maine farmers who are among those directly impacted by the federal funding freeze of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) payments. Millions of dollars in USDA funding, including support for a variety of innovative, science-based programs that support farmers across the country, is now in question. Despite USDA stating that some payments are moving forward, the farmers who spoke today have not had their payments resumed. To learn more and take action to support farmers, visit mofga.org/advocacy/take-action

We want to share an important update about the most current federal food assistance reductions around the Federal Food and Funding Freeze. This latest initiative, now in effect, is significantly impacting key local food purchasing initiatives and will result in anticipated cuts to the TEFAP supply chain. This will reduce the total pounds and the variety of available products.

KEY IMPACTS:

Loss of LFPA25 Funding
The LFPA program (Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program) was created to strengthen local food systems and help food banks source fresh, nutritious food from local producers. However, the USDA has now cancelled the LFPA25 extension, which would have provided $1.25 million in funding to Maine over the next three years. This change represents a projected loss of 500,000 to 600,000 pounds of fresh, local produce Good Shepherd Food Bank would have distributed, through its partners, to families facing food insecurity.

Potential TEFAP Reductions
TEFAP, a long-standing federal program that provides staple food products to food banks for food-insecure neighbors, is also facing disruptions. Starting in April 2025, Good Shepherd Food Bank anticipates a reduction of approximately 250,000 pounds of food per month with TEFAP recipient agencies seeing a 50%-65% decrease in monthly allocations.

Community Support and How to Help
Good Shepherd Food Bank is actively engaging with Maine’s Congressional delegation, Feeding America, DACF, and other local partners to address these challenges. While federal funding remains uncertain, the Food Bank is committed to working collaboratively to find solutions.

We understand how much you and your community rely on LFPA and TEFAP products and recognize the hardship these changes present. By sharing this update now, we hope it allows you to better plan your inventory and procure additional product to meet your needs. If you are interested in learning about hosting a food drive or fundraising strategies, please reach out to your Community Resource Representative.

If you are interested in learning more about these changes, as well as others on the horizon, Full Plates Full Potential will be hosting a virtual town meeting   on Tuesday, March 18th at 2 PM. Speakers will include, Maine State Nutrition Association (MSNA), Maine Equal Justice (MEJ), Maine School Management Association (MSMA), and Good Shepherd Food Bank. To register to attend the event, click here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YWWL2KljQg-JkEzqfhUO-w

We appreciate your ongoing partnership and patience as we navigate these challenges together. We’ll continue to keep you updated as we learn more.

Heather T Paquette (she/her/hers) learn more about pronouns here)
President 
Good Shepherd Food Bank3121 Hotel Road | PO Box 1807
Auburn, Maine 04211
www.FeedingMaine.org
Recipes: www.NutritionForMe.org

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