Advocate

When the unexpected happens, our communities look to us - and we are ready.

Feeding South Dakota invests time and thought into preparing for many different scenarios that could impact our service, including the possibility of major disruptions to our food supply. One of those scenarios is unfolding at a time when the number of South Dakotan's seeking food access through our programs and partners is at an all-time high.

Budget adjustments at a federal level have had a real impact to our work, and will be felt by our neighbors - children, seniors, and working families alike. More cuts, already proposed, will deepen hunger in our state and increase demand on the food bank and our community partners, who are already operating at capacity.

We want to do all we can to prevent further reduction in food and ensure that all South Dakotans can thrive.

Food insecurity is a nonpartisan issue that transcends political parties and exists in all congressional districts across the U.S. It will take all of us coming together—people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, communities, partners and donors—to end hunger.

Current Impact

March 2025: 200 Monthly Senior Boxes Cancelled
The USDA's reduction of the state's monthly caseload for The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) leaves low-income seniors without consistent access to a box of food - every month - that is selected to meet their nutritional needs.

  • In South Dakota, we provide this important program to seniors in every county of the state.

April 2025: 148,000 Meals Cancelled
The USDA's decision to permanently discontinue Commodity Credit Corporation funded foods through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) resulted in an immediate cancellation of 177,000 pounds of food scheduled for delivery to Feeding South Dakota between April and August.

  • These 11 loads were nutritious food items like meat, eggs, produce, and dairy products.
  • This will be an annual impact of 1.5 million pounds of food to Feeding South Dakota - 1,250,000 meals for our neighbors facing hunger.

July 2025: 117,000 Meals Discontinued
Funding for the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program will be discontinued.

  • Equating to 1% of Feeding South Dakota's overall food inventory, this program shortened the food supply chain through purchasing product from South Dakota producers that was distributed through community partners and food bank programs.

What We're Watching

Budget Reconciliation: Deep Cuts to SNAP and Medicaid
$230 billion in cuts to SNAP and Medicaid programs will create even greater hardships for our neighbors who face hunger.

  • Eliminating or reducing these essential supports would increase demand on food banks.

Budget Reconciliation: Shift of SNAP Benefit Costs to States
Any form of cost sharing would be detrimental to state budgets, partner food banks and more importantly, neighbors who use SNAP.

  • With an $18 million price tag for a 10% cost share, South Dakota would likely be forced to make decisions that would impact SNAP benefits and eligibility criteria.

FY26 Discretionary Budget Proposal: Ending the CSFP Program
President Trump’s FY26 Request, released May 2, proposes a $425 million cut in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (p. 34), ending the program and replacing it with Make America Healthy Again food boxes filled with commodities sourced from domestic farms, given directly to households.

  • CSFP is a proven program. Eliminating it would disrupt an essential safety net for aging Americans.

Final USDA Program Decisions: More Cuts to TEFAP
Final USDA decisions on program cuts, particularly TEFAP entitlement and bonus loads, would create an even wider gap for us to fill.

  • These USDA foods equate to an additional 1.5 million pounds of food distributed annually by Feeding South Dakota.

Take Action

Our mission is clear and unwavering: Everyone deserves access to the food they need to thrive. By standing shoulder-to-shoulder with neighbors facing hunger and uniting our efforts, we can build a food secure future for all.

Feeding South Dakota needs your support so we can keep the shelves stocked:

Contact Our Legislators

Tell them your story and the impact this legislation will have on communities throughout South Dakota. Share how Feeding South Dakota's programs impact your community.

Social Networking

Are you usually the person bringing friends and family together by text and email? We could use your support in social networking, emailing and cross-posting to help us make a difference for people facing hunger. Just follow us on Facebook and Instagram, then help us spread the word by sharing with your circles.

Tag our legislators and use #EndHunger, #FeedingSD to amplify your message.

Fast Action

Decisions and actions happen quickly in DC! Use these resources for quick access to talking points and messaging: