Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- Community Action Services and Food Bank anticipates federal funding cuts impacting services.
- CEO Karen McCandless says 75% of its funding is federally sourced.
- The nonprofit seeks alternative funding, fearing community impact and reduced service capacity.
PROVO — Earlier this year, the Trump administration froze federal funding in an effort to find ways to cut down on government spending. A Utah nonprofit said it's felt the impact from that, and now it's anticipating federal funding cuts.
Food is in Community Action Services and Food Bank's name, but it provides so much more, from rent assistance to eviction prevention and helping people get out of poverty.
CEO of Community Action Services and Food Bank Karen McCandless said 75% of its funding comes from the federal government. Possible cuts would change what — and how much — it can offer to people in need.
"We are in an uncertain space right now," McCandless said.
It has already been told one federally funded program will end.
McCandless said if funding goes away, she expects pressure will be pushed onto other resources.
"I do think that there will be a lot of people who will suffer," she said. "And that's what I'm most concerned about is how our community will fare as it tries to navigate change."
McCandless said it won't be able to serve as many people.
"Sometimes I wouldn't eat if I didn't have it," one man said.
There are specific programs that could be cut.
"We received a federal grant to distribute diapers," McCandless said. "We haven't heard for sure on that."
She's also concerned about rent assistance.
"Rapid rehousing, so somebody who is homeless, to get them quickly back into an apartment and get them stabilized and … work with them on a life plan, there's a chance that that one would go away," she said.
The non-profit is looking for other funding sources while it waits for answers.
"We've been keeping an eye on what's been happening, because it really affects so many people in our community," McCandless said.
Community Action Services and Food Bank is looking for ways to find outside funding. It is welcoming donations right now. Visit the non-profit's website for more information.
