More than 276,000 people visited the emergency food pantry at Stockton’s Emergency Food Bank in 2024, a clear reflection of the rising need across San Joaquin County.
With support from 85 Mobile Farmers’ Market sites and partner pantries, the organization is working to meet demand — a task that’s become increasingly difficult this year.
That challenge comes from federal budget reductions, including the loss of more than $1 billion in U.S. Department of Agriculture programs that had previously supported local food purchases for schools and food banks. Among the cuts is the elimination of the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, which was expected to deliver about $500 million in 2025 for food purchases.
“We serve 500 cars a day at the main pantry, which means that one day a week, we do not have product to distribute — unless we go out and find that product.” — Alesha Pichler, Stockton Emergency Food Bank community relations manager
In a March 13 news release, the USDA announced that Secretary Brooke Rollins “worked with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to streamline USDA operations by cutting wasteful spending and saving American taxpayers millions.”
The move sparked pushback at the state level. On April 5, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom appealed to the USDA, calling the decision abrupt and “inexplicable.” Since 2022, California has used more than $88.5 million in LFPA funds to support local farms, boost food supply systems and distribute food to underserved communities.
“The irrational and malicious slashing of funds will not only hurt our farmers, but also the families who need food banks and school meals to stay healthy and thrive,” Newsom said in a news release this month. “I implore the USDA to immediately reverse this decision.”
A local food crisis
At the Emergency Food Bank’s main pantry in Stockton, the effects of the financial loss are already being felt.
“Due to the USDA cuts, we are down 500 cases of nonperishable food each week,” Alesha Pichler, the food bank’s community relations manager, told Stocktonia. “We serve 500 cars a day at the main pantry, which means that one day a week, we do not have product to distribute — unless we go out and find that product.”
Filling those shortfalls has become a familiar, if exhausting, part of daily operations.
“Since the pandemic, we’ve learned how to be nimble when we’re hit with devastating news like these cuts,” Pichler said. “Our warehouse director isn’t afraid to contact several warehouses in our service area to help us find what we need.”
To offset shortages, the food bank is leaning on the public. Monthly donation campaigns — like a recent tuna drive — offer residents a tangible way to help.
“It gives the community at-large an opportunity to give back, serve and contribute to the work we do,” Pichler said.
Serving a need
The need remains stark. According to Pichler, 10.8% of San Joaquin County’s population, or more than 83,000 people, are considered food insecure. Of those, the food bank reached 73,589 last year through its wide-ranging programs, including its pantry, mobile markets, Building Better Habits nutrition education, DoorDash deliveries, and the Food as Medicine initiative.
“We don’t just give out food,” she said. “We provide necessary education and skills to the community.”
Residents looking to support the food bank can help in several ways, especially through financial donations. “For every $1 donated, we have the capability to provide four meals to those in need,” Pichler explained.
The Emergency Food Bank is aiming to raise $10,000 to fight hunger in San Joaquin County during this year’s 209Gives fundraiser on April 29, a broad community-wide day of giving focused on local impact. Donations can be made online at 209gives.org.