HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hawaii Foodbank is hoping for the best but preparing for the worst if it takes a hit from federal budget cuts possibly affecting thousands of residents.
It may look like business as usual at the Hawaii Foodbank warehouse, but there is concern.
“We are continuing all of our work, we’re continuing to get food in communities, we’re continuing our purchasing, but we are being thoughtful to ensure we’re, every dollar that we spend is being used as efficiently as possible and making contingency plans for the future,” said Amy Miller, Hawaii Foodbank President & CEO.
A $1 billion cut in the USDA will likely cut $2.3 million in federal funding for the Hawaii Foodbank and that’s just for now.
“That’s a program that this island, islands need,” said Sen. Kurt Favella, (R) assistant minority floor leader. “Foodbank going be losing these kinds of funding and opportunities to be able to get food, it’s gonna cause a big, big problem in rural and underprivileged areas.”
Officials said the foodbank receives about 20% of its budget from federal funds, receiving about $6.6 million worth of food from federal assistance last year.
The worst part is that the need is reaching critical levels.
The foodbank services 170,000 people in the state per month, up about 13% from last year and more than double the amount pre-pandemic.
State lawmakers are ready to help, but there is good and bad news.
The good news — there is a bill that would provide emergency funding for any non-profit, like the Hawaii Foodbank, to get state funds if their federal funds are cut.
The bad news — lawmakers expect a lot of groups will need help.
“We may not be able to help everybody, so we’re going to have to prioritize based on real needs, health and wellness, public safety, and things that are extreme critical importance,” said Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, (D) Ways & Means committee chair.
The foodbank said it is fortunate the local community has always stepped up to help in times of need. But even it knows it’ll have to start doing more with less.
“Our number one commitment is to the folks that we’re serving,” said Miller. “We wanna be sure that nobody goes without and they know they can count on Hawaii Foodbank and our community to put food on the table at night.”