OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – A Trump administration executive order could require proof of citizenship for all USDA foods, potentially cutting off a significant food source for undocumented immigrants in Nebraska.
The decision to implement the order rests with the state.
The order would affect the Emergency Food Assistance Program, known as TEFAP ā a major food source for organizations including Food Bank for the Heartland. Donated foods are not covered under the executive order.
Millions of pounds of food at stake
Tim Williams, government director of affairs with Food Bank for the Heartland, said TEFAP represents a substantial share of what the organization distributes.
āIt is a significant portion of the food that we do have to distribute to our partners across the state of Nebraska,ā Williams said.
Williams said Food Bank for the Heartland and Food Bank of Lincoln together distribute approximately 3.8 million pounds of USDA food. He said 1 in 7 people in Nebraska are food insecure, including 1 in 5 children.
āIt puts that burden on an already very overstressed pantry network,ā Williams said.
Pantries brace for increased demand
Alina Ceballos, a volunteer with Together Food Pantry, said approximately 90% of the people who visit the pantry are undocumented.
āItās not fair, itās not right,ā Ceballos said.
When benefits have been restricted in the past, many have turned to food pantries to meet their needs. Williams said the ripple effects would be broad.
āAny change like this that limits access to food, it affects everybody,ā Williams said.
Nebraskaās Department of Health and Human Services issued a statement saying:
āAt this time, DHHS is evaluating potential implementation steps and has not finalized any changes to the program.ā
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