The Washington Post has reported on delays associated with USDA rules governing distribution of food.  A surge in demand  following COVID-19 restrictions has stressed the resources of food banks, especially in areas that have experienced a large increase in unemployment.

USDA requirements involve recording the name, address, household size, and income for recipients of food distributed under programs administered by the Department.  This has resulted in hours-long delays in pick-up and extreme pressure on the staff of food banks, many of whom are volunteers.

Following the lead of Pennsylvania, Louisiana, and Virginia, USDA officials approved distribution of food in accordance with disaster plans that normally follow weather events such as floods and hurricanes.  The USDA is reviewing appeals from individual states, but will not relax the requirement without a formal request.

The Executive Director of the Ohio Association of Food Banks stated “It just defies logic, we are addressing unprecedented circumstances and there should be a national declaration.”  Lisa Hamler-Fugitt added “I can’t believe that I’m wasting time, bureaucrats are wasting time, my colleagues are wasting time trying to plead our case.”

The USDA countered in a statement that income eligibility requirements cannot be waived.  In terms of a declaration on March 13th by the President, the Department acquired the authority to approve state requests for distribution of food to households affected by COVID-19 under emergency rules.