In a devastating blow to the local food ecosystem, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has eliminated the Regional Farm to Food Bank program, which connects food banks to local food producers. The program, which was responsible for 34% of institutional purchases from small and midsize producers in New Mexico, will come to an end in June due to the USDA's cancellation of the funding. This decision will have a significant impact on both food producers and food banks, as it provided essential support to keep local farmers thriving while also ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food for community members in need. The loss of this crucial program highlights the challenges and obstacles faced by the local food industry, and the dire consequences of cutting off funding to such initiatives.
Susanna Reid, host of Good Morning Britain, interrupted the show to announce the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics showing a drop in inflation rates to 2.5%, although it remains above the Bank of England's target. This comes at a time of increasing pressure on the public finances due to rising government borrowing costs. Correspondent Jonathan Swain joins from a butcher's in Staffordshire, revealing the impact of high food prices on inflation.
The latest government data shows that India's retail inflation has slowed to its lowest rate in four months, dropping to 5.22% in December 2024. This decrease can be attributed to lower food prices, according to the National Statistics Office. However, the Reserve Bank of India has raised its projection for inflation in the current fiscal year to 4.8%, citing persistent food price pressures. This news could have a positive impact on businesses and consumers alike, as it signals a more stable economic environment.
According to the latest government data, retail inflation for December 2024 has slowed to 5.22%, the lowest in the last four months. This is mainly due to easing prices in the food basket, with food inflation dropping to 8.39% compared to 9.04% in November. The Reserve Bank of India has raised the inflation projection for the current fiscal year to 4.8%, citing lingering food price pressures. Stay updated with the latest news on NDTV.com from India and around the world.
According to data from the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, India's retail inflation reached 5.49% in September 2024, the highest since January of that year. This increase was mainly driven by a spike in food prices, with the All India Consumer Food Price Index jumping to 9.24%. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has projected a gradual decline in inflation in the coming months, but is keeping a close eye on the evolving conditions to prevent a further rise in prices.
In Nampa, Idaho, Care House Partnerships has opened a new and larger food bank to better serve the hundreds of people who rely on their services each week. The nonprofit's programs director Tony Johnson explains that their old space was too small and the new facility was only made possible with help from the community. This new food bank will allow Care House Partnerships to continue their important work in supporting those in need in the local area.
The Food Bank of the Rockies in Denver has introduced a new program, Food for Health, which delivers free, medically tailored food boxes to patients with chronic illnesses who are also facing food insecurity. With over 400 neighbors already being served, the program has been a huge success and the chief programs officer is looking to expand it further. The food bank uses delivery services like DoorDash and Bull Runner to bring the boxes directly to the patients' homes, making it more convenient for them. Volunteers, like Lori Symington, who have been in similar situations as these patients, find the experience of giving back to the community extremely rewarding. One of the program's recipients, Sherri King, has been receiving the weekly groceries for the past six months and she says it has helped her to balance nutritious foods into her diet.
Employees from over a hundred businesses in the Southern Tier came together at the Food Bank of the Southern Tier to compete in 'Leader of the Pack', a race to pack over 400 food bags in record time. The competition ended with more than 5,000 bags packed and donated to be distributed across 41 school districts, as a part of the food bank's Backpack Program which provides food packs for children at school to combat hunger. If you're interested in enrolling your child in the program, contact your school district coordinator.
The Independent Pilots Association has made a generous donation of $20,000 to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee. This contribution is a part of the IPA's ongoing support for the food bank, with a total of over $200,000 donated since 2012. The ceremony took place at the food bank headquarters, with members of IPA meeting with the executive director to present the check. The donation highlights the association's dedication to important community services and addressing the issue of food insecurity.
A grassroots food bank, Porchlight Community Services, has been helping families who fall within the gap of not qualifying for government assistance but not being able to fully afford their food costs. Started in 2017 by Claudia Montenegro, the food bank has now grown to a new location in Kearny Mesa, offering affordable groceries to families. The program not only helps with food costs but also promotes eco-friendliness and allows clients to choose their own groceries.