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This study examines how sudden cuts to USDA programs supporting the charitable food system (i.e., The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement (LFPA)) affect the supply of healthy food available for distribution by food banks. Existing data from 15 food banks will be analyzed, and additional data will be collected to complete two aims. Aim 1 will quantify changes in healthy food supply across three phases of USDA program cuts — pre-cuts (2023/2024), short-term post-cuts (Mar–May 2025), and longer-term post-cuts (Oct–Dec 2025). Outcomes will include total pounds of food, the proportion of food by source, and HER Guidelines nutrition rank (green/yellow/red). Aim 2 will utilize key informant interviews with food bank staff to understand how USDA program cuts affect food banks’ operations and needs. Interviews will be conducted in at least six states, with representation across resource levels and U.S. regions. Qualitative themes will be identified using a consensus-building approach and will be used to contextualize quantitative findings.
Start Date: November 2025
ID #: 383003370
Organization: University of Connecticut
Project Lead: Caitlin Caspi, ScD
Age Group: Adults and Families
Race/Ethnicity: African American or Black, American Indian, Asian, Latino(a) or Hispanic, Multi-racial/ethnic, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, White
Resource Type: Commissioned Research Project Summary
Keywords: Community setting, Diet quality/dietary assessment, Food insecurity
Focus Areas: Food Access, Healthy Communities
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