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Post Election Anxiety & Hunger

  • Rachel Bonilla
  • Dec 3, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Apr 3

Monday, December 3, 2024

Image of cars waiting in line at food bank.

Photo Credits: Nadiah Mohammed


Food banks are often seen as additional community help when federal programs with monthly benefits are not enough. Many folks are seeing a rise in cuts across the board, and when hearing about the election results, fear that more cuts are on the way. However, though there are a few things to keep an eye on, FARSB and other food banks are banding together to create a better social safety net for those in need.


Renewed Purpose

Though the election results have some community members rattled, FARSB is not changing our mission when it comes to helping the Inland Empire. As long as there are community members in need, our food bank will be there for those who need us. Hunger is not a political issue; it's a human rights issue, and food insecurity needs to be addressed and eradicated as part of a bipartisan effort.


No matter what the feelings about the election are, there is always a sense of fear when a new person is set to take control of our government. New policies and procedures are put in place and cuts to funding are always addressed as funds are shifted.

Orange box with text that reads, "Social safety nets are needed to ensure families and individuals are taken care of and should be sufficient for the population size." Light green box with text that reads, "Food banks must continue growing with the needs of our community, especially when needs are rising with the higher cost of of living." Purple box with text that reads, "Addressing root causes of hunger and food insecurity at its foundation will advocate for change in policy to combat hunger."

What Now?

Funding is a major topic amongst those receiving food from food banks like FARSB, and retaining hope for future funding is a necessary part of seeing what we do from now on. Though many food banks saw funding cuts during 2020, the effects of universal healthcare and additional funding to hunger relief programs allowed some families and individuals to thrive, despite the growing issues with COVID and its effects.


Without the funding for these programs being put into place, and without a pandemic to give cause to such funding, there will likely be a drastic drop in funds from the federal government to address food insecurity. This can be a tough pill to swallow for many families already struggling and can't afford to have even less.


Food banks are preparing for things to change, and for federal funding to make major changes within the next four years. How will this affect food banks like FARSB?

Orange box with text that reads, "Change brings uncertainty, but we will continue to come together with elected officials to support the funding of vital programs like CalFresh and SNAP." Light green box with text that reads, "Food banks like FARSB will advocate for positive changes in policies that will benefits those in need, especially for those in marginalized groups." Purple box with text that reads, "Work together with all political parties to take care of people in the United States, while continuing to address the root causes of hunger and systemic issues."

Some programs will continue, like CalFresh, and will be adjusted for the cost of living, and may help families in need. However, the idea that so many resources will be cut is on people's minds.


Though we can't know what will happen in the future, we know FARSB will continue to advocate for better funding for hunger relief programs and policy changes that will address and alleviate hunger and food insecurity.


A Word from Feeding America National

As of now, we have some inspiring words from Feeding America CEO, Claire Babineaux-Fontenot:


"The upcoming elections will bring leadership changes, but it will not change the uniting truth that everyone deserves the food they need to thrive. Hunger transcends political parties. Feeding America’s position continues to be simple and consistent: We stand firmly alongside people facing hunger. We are committed to working with all elected and appointed officials to advance policies and programs that support the tens of millions of people experiencing food insecurity in every community in the U.S."


Wrap-Up

No matter who is in office, FARSB and other food banks will continue to alleviate hunger and food insecurity within the Inland Empire and support policies and programs that will address the root causes of hunger as a whole. With this renewed sense of need and purpose, we are working harder than ever to safeguard our hunger relief programs to ensure that we can continue to grow and serve our community members in need.


If you are in need of food assistance, please visit: FeedingIE.org/Find-Pantry


If you have questions about food bank operations going into 2025 or you would like to schedule an interview, please contact: Rachel Bonilla, Communications Coordinator at rbonilla@feedingamericaie.org

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