Hastings Family Service has received numerous queries from concerned neighbors, supporters and community partners in response to recent changes in government directives and programs. As we navigate through these changes, be assured that we are focused on continuity of services to meet the needs of neighbors and our community.
Are HFS programs being impacted by changes in federal funding or directives?
HFS does not directly receive federal funding or federal grant funding. We are carefully following any changes to federal or state programs involving food assistance, affordable housing, healthcare, workforce services, social services, education, and other related supports to understand who may be affected and how. We know that any time the stability of households is affected, it can increase demand for food assistance programs and wrap-around services.
How might food assistance be impacted?
HFS participates in The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) through the United States Department of Agriculture, allowing access to free and low-cost commodity foods that are fresh and locally farmed, that we order through Second Harvest Heartland. This program is a mainstay of sourcing dairy, meats/proteins, fruits, vegetables, and grains. Recently changes have impacted item availability and amounts. The HFS Programs team works hard behind the scenes to continually source a variety of nutritious foods and keep the Market programs fully stocked. We will continue to monitor and adjust programs to best serve neighbors and steward resources.
Will operational costs be impacted?
When key TEFAP food items are unavailable, we purchase what is needed from other suppliers to fill in the gaps, however at a higher cost. In 2024, close to 43% of our food was sourced as free through Second Harvest Heartland with just over 10% purchased through Second Harvest Heartland and other sources. We are carefully monitoring operational costs as we anticipate shifts in the cost of food sourcing as well as an increase in the overall need for assistance. HFS is fortunate to be supported by a generous community who, in 2024, donated over 29% of food and care items for neighbors, and we continue to operate our food rescue program which provided close to 18% of food and care items from local grocery and convenience stores in 2024. Moving forward, we will continue to collaborate closely with community partners, businesses, faith communities, civic organizations, and individual supporters to fill in gaps and connect the dots, striving to ensure that basic needs are met, and no one goes hungry.
Straight Ahead
As we celebrate our 55th anniversary year, together, we have successfully navigated rapidly changing landscapes in the past to provide a safety net for our community and needed stability for many individuals and families. Our staff, board of directors, and close to 500 volunteers are prepared to continue to support neighbors and committed to providing access to food assistance and supportive services. Together, we can achieve the vision of a caring and connected community where all neighbors can thrive.
