Even in the best of times, the summer months present quite a challenge for the Emergency Feeding Program as our funding slows to a trickle even as the number of requests for food assistance rises.

To make it through, EFP relies on a reserve set aside from funds allocated to us from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  But this year, wrangling on the federal level has substantially delayed these funds.

In a normal year, these funds begin arriving in late February.  It's now July and we are still waiting.

At first glance, it may not seem much of a problem, this waiting.  We are asked to wait for things all the time and, usually, a little patience is all we need to pull us through. 

But this is different.

Waiting means asking parents to tell their children that there simply isn't enough food to make their hunger go away.  Waiting means asking an elderly person to face an empty pantry and an empty stomach alone without the help they deserve.  Waiting means turning our backs on our neighbors in need.

Normally, EFP distributes over 2,000 emergency grocery bags each month to households right here in our community.  This month, we face the prospect of distributing only a fraction of what is needed.

Your financial donation now will go to work immediately filling orders already placed by our distribution partners.  Your gift now will mean that the food that has already been delayed will begin to flow again.  Your gift now will mean that those we serve will not have to wait.

If you were planning on making a donation to EFP at any time this year, we urge you to make it now.  If you were wondering if your single donation really makes a difference, we can truthfully say YES and now more than ever.