Table Talk - 5 Priorities for Food Security in 2025

Our Neighbors' Table (ONT) currently has 31% more people relying on us than during the historic pandemic crisis of 2020. Federal, state and local investments are more vital than ever to help ONT and our partners keep pace with the rising use of our services. Feeding our region requires number of different of resources, each vital to sustaining the system. These are 5 areas we all must prioritize in 2025 to meet the growing needs in our region in 2025:

1. SNAP Funding

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is a crucial layer to our local food safety net, providing qualifying households additional money in their food budgets. Last year, Our Neighbors' Table helped secure more than $440,000 in SNAP funds through our contract as a Community Outreach Provider. Cuts to this program trickle down to the local economy, taking money away from retailers and forcing these households to rely on grocery and meal programs.

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2. Federal Food Support - TEFAP

Last year, the Federal Emergency Food Assistance Program, or TEFAP, provided almost 30% of the 1.5 million pounds of meats, produce, dairy products and other healthy foods distributed by ONT, valued at more than $580,000. The TEFAP program diverts surplus food at the national level to food banks and then us. Without it, we would have to purchase these products for our markets.

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3. State Food Support - MEFAP

The state supports food security with funding through the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program, or MEFAP. These funds allow food banks to purchase high nutrition, high need foods for local organizations. In 2024, the program provided 316,114 pounds of foods like juice, produce, oats, milk, cereal and more. Cuts would require ONT to privately fund these items for our markets.

4. Tax Benefits for Charitable Giving

As federal spending is reduced, more reliance will build on state, municipal and private funding. State leaders are currently considering a cap on tax benefits for donations at $10,000, removing a key incentive for larger gifts. We must make sure that the budget package and policy changes don't do anything to discourage impactful private funding, including capping deductions for charitable contributions. Contact your state representative and ask them to stand up for our neighbors in need.

5. Prioritizing Food Security in Local Giving

We saw local support respond en masse to food insecurity during the pandemic. With current food insecurity rates rising and the uncertainty around funding sources, community support is more vital than ever. We hope you will prioritize giving back your neighbors in the coming year!

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