Food Banks Respond to Recent Crisis and Uncertainty

The United States government just reopened after its record-breaking 43-day shutdown. During this time, federal nutrition programs found themselves in the crosshairs of debates over funding and a larger political battle. Caught in the middle were the tens of millions of individuals and families who depend on food assistance. Food bank demand soared, with many struggling to keep up with need. On this episode of Voices to End Hunger, host Minerva Delgado speaks with two food bank leaders serving a wide spectrum of populations – Rhonda Chafin of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee, and Craig Rice of Manna Food Center, which serves communities in Maryland right outside of Washington, DC. Together they share their observations about their operations during the shutdown, lingering effects heading into the holiday season, and what lessons may be learned by those dedicated to building a food secure future moving forward.

Host: Minerva Delgado, Alliance to End Hunger

Guest(s):

• Rhonda Chafin, Executive Director, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee
• Craig Rice, CEO, Manna Food Center

Learn More:

• Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee: https://netfoodbank.org/
• Manna Food Center: https://www.mannafood.org/