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Charitable.info: Connecting Charitable Food Assistance Organizations to Federal Funding Information and Resources

The Congressional Research Service report titled “Connecting Charitable Food Assistance Organizations to Federal Funding Information and Resources,” dated July 10, 2024, serves as a comprehensive guide for Members of Congress and their staff. The primary aim is to aid charitable food assistance organizations in navigating the complex landscape of federal assistance. These organizations, including food banks, food pantries, and other entities addressing food insecurity, are provided with detailed information on various federal programs that can support their mission.

The report begins by outlining the scope and purpose, emphasizing its focus on major programs within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These programs include formula grants, competitive grants, loans, and direct provision of USDA Foods to support food banks and pantries. Notably, the report excludes information on child nutrition programs, disaster response programs, or nutrition education programs such as SNAP-Ed.

One of the key sections is the Federal Grants Overview, which highlights that over 80% of federal grant funding is distributed to states as formula or block grants, which are then reallocated to local entities. A smaller portion of funding is available through competitive grants. This section also provides valuable resources for understanding the federal grant process, including relevant CRS reports and links to grant-seeking platforms like Grants.gov.

The Food Procurement and Distribution section delves into specific programs designed to assist in procuring or distributing food products to low-income populations or those in need of emergency food assistance. Programs such as The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), and the Older Americans Act Nutrition Services Program are detailed, including their assistance types, eligibility criteria, and relevant contacts for grant seekers.

For rural food assistance organizations, the report covers the Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program and the Economic Impact Initiative Grant Program. These programs are aimed at supporting essential community facilities in rural areas, including those related to local food systems.

The Local and Community Food Partnerships section discusses programs like the Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program, the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Program, and the Healthy Food Financing Initiative. These initiatives focus on supporting food assistance entities in underserved communities, enhancing their ability to address local food, farm, and nutrition issues comprehensively.

Lastly, the report mentions other selected federal programs that, while not specifically targeted at food assistance, can be leveraged by charitable food assistance organizations. These include the Community Services Block Grant, the Social Services Block Grant, and the Community Development Block Grant. Additionally, the General Services Administration (GSA) surplus real property and personal property programs are highlighted as potential resources for acquiring necessary assets.

This report stands as a critical resource for charitable food assistance organizations seeking to tap into federal funding, offering a detailed roadmap to various federal assistance programs, along with practical steps and contacts to facilitate their applications.