Texas
North Texas Food Bank shares concerns for small farmers, food-insecure communities after USDA budget cuts
President Trump’s efforts to reduce federal spending by slashing agency budgets are raising concerns among those who advocate for food-insecure people across North Texas.
Texas already leads the nation in the number of people facing hunger, and the DFW area has the third-highest number of people facing food insecurity in the state.
Specifically, proponents worry that the U.S. Department of Agriculture budget cuts for the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS) and the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program will be felt at food banks, and also among the farmers that help to supply them.
Currently, about 35% of the food North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) distributes consists of fresh produce, funded in part by USDA funds.
“Not only did it help feed the network that we have here in North Texas, [but] it was also a great economic stimulus program for farmers who produce crops that feed our neighbors,” said Anne Readhimer, Chief Impact Officer, NTFB.
Historically, the USDA has awarded funds to the state for food assistance purchases of domestic local foods for distribution to schools and childcare institutions; locally, North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) was awarded $9.2 million through the LFPA (Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program)/
Readhimer said NTFB used those funds to purchase produce and meat from Texas farms, but the recent cuts will likely have widespread economic consequences, particularly for small farmers, food-insecure communities and children.
“The funding [that] was coming from the government was eliminated with some other streams [and] we’re still waiting to get a better understanding [but] how we’re going to make up, is really just pivoting,” she added in a recent interview with CBS News Texas.
In a statement to CBS News Texas Saturday about the funding cuts, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said he believes the state will continue to offer sustainable food solutions.
“I recognize that the USDA’s budget cuts are intended to eliminate fraud, abuse, and waste. However, even well-functioning programs that deliver real results are undergoing reviews to ensure fairness. These changes also provide an opportunity for states to assume greater responsibility in shaping their own programs,” Miller said. “Texas and the Texas Department of Agriculture do not depend on this funding to maintain a strong program. We’ve been at the forefront for years, developing sustainable initiatives. Texas will continue to effectively operate successful Farm to School and Farm to Food Bank programs.”
However, that resulting pivot could have a startling impact on the more than 250,000 children facing hunger in North Texas, during a time of inflation and already rising food prices.
Without the funding, NTFB fears some schools will struggle to maintain their current nutritious meal programs, with a larger concern over a squeeze for the children who might not otherwise be getting their needs met at school.
“Inflation, though it has leveled out quite a bit, that’s been a huge impact on working families in north Texas and things have been tight, so everyone is just needing a little bit more help these days,” added Readhimer.
In the meantime, NTFB said it relies heavily on support from the community, in the form of money donations, time and advocacy for stronger policies at the federal level, like the Farm Bill, to help provide a more stable food supply to food banks across the country, and the people they serve.
“[Food insecurity] is just really not knowing where your next meal is going to come from and many families are just one small expense away,” said Readhimer.
Texas
Texas Football Opt-Outs: Who’s Likely Playing and Who’s Out for the Citrus Bowl
At this point in time, opting out of bowl games is nothing new, but Texas is going to have more opt-outs in the Citrus Bowl against Michigan than many—self included—expected. This problem pales in comparison to what’s going on in Ann Arbor, but the amount of lost experience will be something for Texas to overcome, primarily on defense.
Texas
Latest in recruiting war for elite 2028 QB has Texas Football joyful
Neimann Lawrence list the Longhorns as one school that is standing out
As the Longhorns continue to build for the future, one of their targets is four-star prospect Neimann Lawrence. The Miami native is one of the best quarterbacks in the 2028 class and is attracting interest from some of the nation’s top programs. On Monday, Lawrence revealed the schools that have stood out so far, including the Longhorns.
While Mondays update was encouraging, Texas was not the only school Lawrence mentioned. He also highlighted Michigan, Miami, Ohio State, Texas A&M, and Tennessee. That is not an easy list of schools to go to battle with; the Longhorns have time to make themselves stand out.
Currently, the Miami Northwestern High star is ranked as the fourth-best quarterback in is class by 247Sports. They also rank him as the ninth-best player from Florida and the 39th-best player in the nation. With collegiate debut still over a year away, those rankings could change.
At the moment, the Longhorns do not have a commitment in the 2028 class, but they have made offers to some of the top recruits. That includes Brysen Wright, Jalanie George, Jamarios Canton, Micah Rhodes, and King Pitts. Landing any of those players would give Texas a bright future.
With a decision still months away, Lawrence will be a player to watch. A lot could change as his recruitment continues, but it is a good sign for Texas that they are standing out early on in the process.
Texas
Orange County wedding photographer deported on way to job in Texas
ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. – An Orange County photographer is speaking out after he was deported as he was heading to Texas to photograph a wedding.
What they’re saying:
“I was trying to do it the right way, the legal way and it just feels like they don’t care about that,” said Adan Caceres.
Caceres came to the United States under asylum in 2014, fleeing a violent El Salvador.
“My mom’s sister was murdered and she was thrown in front of our house. She also was abused sexually before they murdered her and then my brother and I were threatened by the gangs,” said Caceres.
He says he never received the deportation order that was issued in 2018 and only learned about it in 2023. He then started the process of reopening his case.
“I was paying my taxes. I’m a business owner, I’m a wedding photographer. I’m also married,” said Caceres.
In October, Caceres was going through security at John Wayne Airport, heading to a job in Texas, when he was detained. He says from Santa Ana, he was sent to the Adelanto Detention Center then one in El Paso, Texas where he says the conditions were inhumane.
“We’re not even asking ‘hey let us out’ we’re asking for water, we’re asking for us to be able to use the restroom, these are basic human rights,” said Caceres.
He says now that he’s back in the country he once fled, he’s most concerned about his wife back in Orange County.
“I was providing a lot of income for our household and now my wife has to take care of all of those things on her own; paying car insurance, the rent, all the bills,” said Caceres.
Caceres says he had no criminal history and feels he was on the path to citizenship when it was ripped away from him, leaving his future with his family uncertain.
“I don’t know if I’m going to see them. I don’t know when I’m going to see them,” said Caceres.
The other side:
FOX11 reached out to the Department of Homeland Security asking about Caceres’ case but had not heard back at the time this story aired.
The Source: Information for this story came from an interview with Adan Caceres.
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