Jaeda Nelson News Today

The issue of charity around meals is a common theme during the holidays, though this year the prospect of a sudden drop-off in federal benefits has hunger advocates worried. The federal governments response to the pandemic saw Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits increased, so anyone in the program got the maximum benefit for their household size. The likely end of the current federal health emergency sometime next year will bring with it a reduction in food support for thousands ...

Winter utility bills, ongoing inflation and easing pandemic-related supports are putting pressure on Ohioans household budgets. Food banks report struggling to meet demand. State lawmakers recently provided $25-million in the year-end spending bill to help address ongoing food hardship. ...

This week, Congress gave final approval to a plan to further promote food donations and reduce waste. In South Dakota, a local food shelf says individuals can do their part by following key tips before dropping off items. The federal policy extends liability protections to companies, farmers, restaurants and others who want to donate extra food but worry about legal fallout if someone becomes sick. ...

Hunger is pervasive on college campuses across the country, including in Washington, and a university in the state is one example of how students are trying to tackle food insecurity at its roots. Jaeda Nelson, coordinator for the Wildcat Pantry at Central Washington University, which provides food and essentials to students, faculty and staff, said they are working on implementing another program to help students in the winter quarter. "Peer student ambassadors that can support stude...