Elfreth Speaks Out Against Cuts to Local Food Banks

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) spoke on the House floor in defense of local food banks and outlined the consequences of President Trump and DOGE's cuts to USDA funding. 

"1.4 million meals have been lost at local food banks across Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., because of the short-sighted funding cuts to the Department of Agriculture. That's 1.4 million times in the last few months alone when our neighbors couldn't get a meal when they were in need - maybe they opted to stretch one meal into two, or decided to go to bed hungry so they could afford rent," said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth. "It's rare to have a hat trick in public policy: a program that helps our small farmers, supports our food banks, and gets healthy food into schools. Yet, this Administration is cutting the very funding that food banks and local schools utilize to purchase food at farms, and they're leaving our neighbors and kids with fewer healthy, affordable options."

Earlier this year, the USDA eliminated two programs that provided over $1 billion to schools and food banks, encouraging them to buy local produce and support local farmers. The Trump Administration is considering billions in additional cuts as part of their 2026 budget proposal that will decimate food access for low-income students, families, and communities. 

CLICK HERE or the image below to view Elfreth's full remarks.

Elfreth has consistently used her time on the House Floor to speak out against cuts to federal programs, including previous remarks on 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Services, PBS, FEMA's BRIC grants, and NIOSH's Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation Program and the National Cancer Firefighter Registry. 

Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth

Remarks as Delivered

Floor Speech Against Cuts to Local Food Banks

June 4th, 2025

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 

1.4 million meals have been lost at local food banks across Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., because of the short-sighted funding cuts to the Department of Agriculture. That's 1.4 million times in the last few months alone when our neighbors couldn't get a meal when they were in need - maybe they opted to stretch one meal into two, or decided to go to bed hungry so they could afford rent.

Our food banks are there for our neighbors on their hardest days, and today they are raising the alarm as they see record high demand alongside very low unemployment. 

But instead of solving this dire hunger problem, the Trump Administration is now slashing critical funds to USDA. It's rare to have a hat trick in public policy: a program that helps our small farmers, supports our food banks, and gets healthy food into schools.

Yet, this Administration is cutting the very funding that food banks and local schools utilize to purchase food at farms, and they're leaving our neighbors and kids with fewer healthy, affordable options. 

Mr. Speaker, I cannot think of a more American program that serves our community. And that's why I will continue to fight for our food banks and our neighbors.

I yield back.

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