this is about local food banks. I thought they were ALL goverened under the USDA?

Question

but the one in my area keeps saying they are private. The reason for the question is that the income limits are different. The one in my town says the income limit for 3 ppl is only $1470 per month. Where the USDA says it is $2075 a month.
Is there a web site I can find out?

sorry if this is in the wrong category. I didn't know the best one.

Answer 1

Food banks that are set up as a community project are usually funded, or receive SOME funds from grants from the Federal government. So they have to go by guidelines.

However, if you go to a church, or some other private food bank, they don't go by income. Because all of their food donations have been collected from church members or the community.

Feds go by the national poverty level stats, that is why you were given those numbers. There should be a church in your area who donates food to the community. Just make some phone calls or network around the neighborhood. Someone should know something.

Answer 2

Most are private. The one I give money to through payroll deduction and the United Way is the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York (http://www.regionalfoodbank.net/)

Most churches also maintain a food pantry. These are typically supplied from can drives and by a few church members making the rounds of supermarkets each day to pick up the expired bread and produce.

With the shift in economy during the past 6 years to a shrinking middle class, and growing poor and ultra wealthy, the church food panties are running empty. The rich don't feel the pain and are no longer providing the level of charity they once did. The greater demand for food is forcing the food banks to put stronger limits on who they can help.

If you are in need of help, I hope you can get it. If you can help, even a little, I hope you do. Just a few hours a week volunteer work doesn't take money to help others.

Once you have been hungry, it becomes easier to help others when you can.

By the way, I think you posted the question in a suitable category.