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#foodbank

3 posts3 participants0 posts today

Court rules federal government cannot freeze #Maine's funding from #USDA

by WGME StaffFri, April 11th 2025 at 8:46 PM

"A court says the federal government cannot freeze Maine’s funding from the Department of Agriculture.

"This comes after the USDA announced it was freezing Maine’s funding when the state would not comply with federal #TitleIX interpretations.

"Under this new ruling, the court is granting Maine a temporary restraining order, saying the federal government must unfreeze and release federal Department of Agriculture funding back to Maine.

"That includes money for things like #SchoolNutrition and #FoodBank programs.

"The Trump administration cannot freeze or withhold funding while this restraining order is in place, and the two sides will have to meet in court, though a date has not been set.

"Maine Attorney General #AaronFrey says this temporary restraining order confirms the Trump administration did not follow the rule of law when it cut program funds that go to feed school children and vulnerable adults.

" 'This order preserves Maine’s access to certain congressionally appropriated funds by prohibiting an unlawful freeze by the administration,' Frey said. “No one in our constitutional republic is above the law, and we will continue to fight to hold this administration to account.' "

wgme.com/news/local/court-rule

WGME · Court rules federal government cannot freeze Maine's funding from USDABy WGME Staff

> The USDA cut $500 million in funding to food banks. Here’s how they’re coping nbcnews.com/news/us-news/food-

That surplus population ain't gonna decrease itself. Oh, and not just food banks feeling the hit. But gringos get what they voted in.

NBC News · The USDA cut $500 million in funding to food banks. Here’s how they’re coping.By Rachel Askinasi

Councillors call to extend anti-poverty Multibank initiative into Carmarthenshire

The shocking fact that so many people depend on foodbanks in 21st century Britain is “a poor reflection on successive UK Governments”, Carmarthenshire County Council heard at its meeting today (Wednesday 9 April).

While agreeing to actively explore with relevant partners the potential for an anti-poverty Multibank initiative in Carmarthenshire, Plaid Cymru members demanded concerted action at the highest level to eradicate the need for foodbanks in Wales and the UK as a whole. 

Plaid Cymru Cabinet member Cllr Alun Lenny said: ” We realise that the journey out of austerity, and its impact on poorer families in particular, will not be achieved overnight, but UK Labour Government policies are making things worse. By slashing disability benefits, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is trying to balance the books on the backs of the poorest and most vulnerable people in our communities. This will inevitably increase pressure on foodbank.”   

The Cwtch Mawr Multibank, which directs clothes, bedding and furniture to those most in need, is currently based at Swansea. The Plaid-led council agreed to support its extension into Carmarthenshire.

Cllr Lenny said: “Any partnership aimed at helping families and individuals going through difficult times is obviously welcome. The County Council will give full support to the Multibank as long as it’s not to the detriment of existing successful ventures in Carmarthenshire.”

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The proviso was echoed by Cllr Hefin Jones who said: “We must not underestimate the role of local organisations and charities in our county that have been working for years – decades even – to alleviate the pain of deprivation and poverty. Foodbanks do fantastic work in towns, while the County Council’s Hwb Bach y Wlad venture in addressing the hidden poverty in rural communities.”

Cllr Jones accused Labour of hypocrisy in backing the Multibank venture on the one hand, while creating more poverty through their policies in London and Cardiff on the other.   

He said: “As well as the benefits cuts, the National Insurance changes introduced by the UK Government will result in job losses, in particular amongst the lowest paid, as the threshold at which employers have to start paying NI is lowered to £5,000. This will hit people in urban and rural areas. 

“Meanwhile, the Welsh Government’s own impact assessment on the last set of Sustainable Farming Scheme proposals foresees a direct loss of 5,000 jobs in rural Wales. This does not include job losses in the wider supply chain and associated industries, many of which are based in towns and larger villages. While we strive as a council to tackle poverty, Labour is pulling the carpet from under our feet.” 

The Council agreed to ask its cross-party Tackling Poverty Advisory Panel to develop costed proposals associated with the Multibank for consideration and approval by Cabinet, including the options for securing external funding.  

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(Lead image: Faith in Families)

Monday 05:33
Sitting in my computer room eating Banana flavoured Weetabix with 2% Milk. #Weetabix
Listening to my good friend and brother Dan @danielmrose preaching on the last part of Jesus's prayer in John 17: https://writing.exchange/@danielmrose/114293922651069905

Quick update on myself medically.
History: On 19th February 2021 I received a concussion, and developed Post Concussion Syndrome.
Most of the symptoms faded over the years, but this year they came back strongly.
These days my mind is so focussed, but only for 4-6 hours. After that time I totally fade and need to nap to "reset my brain". Once napped I am good to go again.
I informed my Primary Care and she:
a) Referred me back to Baptist Health Neurology. That appointment is on 18 June 2025.
b) Wrote a note for my Director and HR Director at God's Pantry Food Bank:
"To Whom It May Concern: Please allow Peter Paterson (04/30/1967) to work from home as needed as he is recovering from post-concussion syndrome and requires frequent rest. If there are any further questions please contact our office."
My Directors have worked with me, and allowing me to work split days and work from home days.
#Concussion #PostConcussionSyndrome

Today I shall be going into work for at least 4 hours, catch up on Friday's paperwork, come on home, nap, eat lunch, and work for the rest of my 8 hours remotely. #FoodBank

Take care of yourself my friends and for ALL around you.
Peter //O\\

Writing ExchangeDaniel Rose (@danielmrose@writing.exchange)Attached: 1 image If you’re into sermons, here is my latest on John 17:20-26 talking about unity rooted in love… https://open.spotify.com/episode/5mDtmL933fZZePE9TKue5O?si=NfYS__BoSLCfbHUnClA_eA
Continued thread

The second is for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. We all know the world's falling apart, and supporting our local food banks is a good idea. Well, they've had to move warehouses six times since 2020(!!!). They're trying to raise money to purchase their current place. It's a lot of money, sadly, but it's worth it.

Their fundraiser: freshfutures.ca/
GVFB: foodbank.bc.ca/

Fresh FuturesGreater Vancouver Food Bank | Help Secure Our Permanent HomeHelp the Greater Vancouver Food Bank secure its first permanent home! Our campaign aims to increase fresh food distribution, expand wrap-around support services, and ensure long-term food security. Join us in reaching our $15M goal!
Replied in thread

@briankrebs

So true. Our local bank, Manna, was completely destroyed in the #Asheville floods from #Helene, yet still managed to get food out to the people who need it. Their donations have gone way up, but they have to rebuild their operation from scratch, even while still providing more food, with less support.

A very good article on the topic from #AVLWatchdog

avlwatchdog.org/asheville-area

Asheville Watchdog · Asheville-area nonprofits see surge in donations after Helene – $37 million in one case – but demands have skyrocketedBy JOHN BOYLE

Tuesday 05:53
Starting to feel much stronger. Guestimate of about 85% the way to full regular health.

Today I shall be heading into work early again to continue catching up from my time away from office last week with the conference and being sick.
Talking of which, we are having an excellent staff meeting today to go over my coverage when I am out or get hit by the proverbial bus. This is a very good thing!

Laughed at a self-joke that I now have a choice of 2 pubs to go to after work: The Public Bar at Villainous or Publix Supermarket!
Today will be Publix, as I have to pick up at the Pharmacy (so professional!), distilled water, and milk. It's wonderful having such a great store so close to my work - a 3 minute drive.

Shall probably work most of the day again in the office, then head home for a rest before continuing to work from home.
Yesterday I worked 6 hours in my #FoodBank office, then worked our quarterly potato bid from home.

In this day and age keep on holding onto what keeps you safe and sane. For me it is my faith in my Lord Jesus Christ, my Creator and my Saviour. If you ever want to know more, just ask. He is a friend that sticks closer than any brother.

Be well, Peter //O\