Golden Valley’s PRISM Sees Rise in Food Need in Face of Federal Cuts

Budget cuts at the federal level are impacting a Golden Valley nonprofit that fulfills emergency food needs, according to officials with the agency.

PRISM receives federal funds through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). Alisha Weis, advancement director at PRISM, said TEFAP funds are made up of U.S. Department of Agriculture grants and funding from the Farm Bill.

The federal cuts came out of the USDA, which Weis said reduces its TEFAP funds by about 30 to 40 percent. That translates to between 1,800 and 2,400 pounds of food.

“There are still a lot of unknowns. There is still a lot of fear, that we just don’t know: ‘Are things going to get cut?’ ‘Are they going to get frozen?’ ‘Will they come back?’ ‘Will they not?’” Weis explained.

Weis said the cuts will be impactful because the need is up. She said PRISM serves 30 new families every day and sees 500 food shelf visits weekly.

PRISM operates on a first-come, first-serve basis and has no border restrictions. Weis said that’s different from many other area food shelves, which often require appointments and only serve some cities in its area. She thinks that’s an asset.

“You know, hunger is something that, when your cabinets are bare and you’re needing food today, tomorrow. It’s not something you can wait eight weeks to a month to get in and access a food shelf appointment,” Weis said.

How to Help

There are a number of ways you can help PRISM make up its gaps. Weis said monetary donations help PRISM stretch dollars and purchase items in bulk. However, physical donations of groceries also help provide a variety that many people seek.

The organization’s annual Taste of the ‘Burbs fundraiser is coming up on Thursday, May 8. Tickets are sold out for one location, but are still available for the other spot. The event features a full dinner, a cash bar and different fundraising opportunities with a silent auction.

Minnesota food banks also made a plea for funding at the state Capitol last month. Among them was Allison O’Toole, CEO of Second Harvest Heartland in Brooklyn Park.