The Emergency Food Network is extremely grateful for the $27,000 grant that was awarded in December of 2025. As we had stated in the grant, the award amount equals about 10% of our annual food budget.
As you know, the six-week government shutdown was quite unnerving for both our clients and us. We receive no government funding (and never have in our history), however the shutdown had a direct impact on us. We had laid-off government workers come to us for food. We had never seen this in our 50+ year history. Many of our 17 partnerships with local non-profit organizations DO run at least partially on government funding. This led to a couple of these partners asking us for advances on the support we normally give them. Not knowing how long the shutdown would last caused uncertainties that were quite stressful.
Concurrent with the shutdown was the decrease and/or delay of SNAP benefits. Folks who usually rely on these benefits were suddenly without this support. EFN was there to “pick up the slack” to the extent we were able. During this period, several news organizations, including CNN, interviewed me to ask how EFN was impacted by these events. I referred to our commitment to sustaining our operations through thick and thin, and acknowledged that without our generous donors and grantors we may not have been able to do so.
Additionally, groceries prices have risen over the past year. Beef has been and continues to be especially expensive. We do purchase our shelf-stable items at a discount from Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, but most of our fresh produce, dairy, and meat is purchased at retail prices.
Without Gladden the Heart’s financial support, we would likely have had to either cut back on our services or eliminate some food items. We are committed to providing for those in need, at the same time ensuring the financial sustainability of EFN. We can’t thank you enough for supporting EFN, and as we continue with high prices and record client numbers, we are reminded of your generosity.
Respectfully and gratefully submitted,
Miette Michie
EFN Board Chair
