Understanding H.R. 1: FAQ for the Partner Network

H.R. 1 is the newly passed budget reconciliation bill that impacts the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). While it doesn’t directly change how much food we’re receiving from some programs, it could lead to increased demand for food assistance over time.

This FAQ includes answers to the most common questions we’ve heard from our partner pantries and from the July 24 Town Hall with the CEO. Our goal is to keep you informed and help you plan for what’s ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this bill change how much food we receive from the Regional Food Bank?

No. H.R. 1 did not change funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which is one of the main ways we receive food from the USDA.

Will this bill impact partnership status, tiering or pricing?

No. This bill does not impact partner agencies’ relationship or status with the Regional Food Bank. If you have questions about pricing or tiering, please contact your Community Connections manager.

Will this bill affect how partner agencies serve our neighbors?

While the bill didn’t cut funding to food banks directly, it could cause more families to seek food assistance. As discussed in the July 24 Town Hall, we expect higher demand for food assistance over time as some policy changes go into effect.

Some parts of the bill go into effect right away, while others start in 2027. How can we prepare for these changes together?

The Regional Food Bank is in regular contact with state and federal leaders to understand the timeline and how the changes will roll out. We’ll keep you informed as we learn more. In the meantime, our sourcing team is diligently working to ensure access to nutritious food for our partner network.

If you have ideas or concerns that could help us plan ahead, please reach out to your Community Connections manager. Your feedback helps shape our strategy.

During the Town Hall, someone asked: If TEFAP wasn’t cut, why are there fewer USDA items available to choose from?

Earlier this year, USDA paused some operations during a transition period. That temporary slowdown affected food deliveries nationwide – not just to our food bank.

Also, it’s normal for TEFAP food availability to go up and down during the year. We still expect USDA items to make up about 20-25% of our total food distribution for the year.

Takeaways and Next Steps

No immediate changes are happening to the amount of food we receive from TEFAP due to H.R.1.
We do expect demand to grow as parts of the bill take effect over time.

Food availability may vary, especially with USDA items, but our team is working to keep shelves stocked with nutritious options.

Your feedback matters. If you’re seeing new trends or challenges in your agency, please share them with your Community Connections manager, it helps us plan and advocate effectively.

We’re committed to keeping you informed as more details become available. Thank you for all you do to support neighbors facing hunger.

Questions? Contact Us:

Lauren Brockman
Director of Advocacy and Public Policy
Email: lbrockman@rfbo.org
Office: 405-600-3139