Federal Funding Freeze Impacting Food Security for Residents

The federal funding freeze announced by the Trump administration is destabilizing some local programs despite court interventions.

In the wake of frozen federal funding, the Sullivan Fresh Food Security Program is grappling with financial uncertainties, but remains committed to providing essential food resources to the community.

The initiative, a collaboration between Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Sullivan and Sullivan Allies Leading Together (SALT), has been a lifeline for many residents, offering access to fresh, healthy food through the Community Cupboard and Mobile Farmers Markets.

However, in February, all federal funding for the program was unexpectedly frozen, creating a significant setback for the effort to sustain these services.

Melinda Meddaugh, the Ag & Food Systems Sr. Issue Leader at Cornell Cooperative Extension, Sullivan County, appeared on Radio Catskill to discuss the challenges the lack of funding is presenting for the program.

Image: Somewhere in Time Farm is one of the farm providers to the Mobile Farmers Markets. (Credit: Sullivan County Farmers Markets)