Local food pantries speak out against the states possible citizenship requirements on TEFAP food

OMAHA, Neb. —

Food pantries across Nebraska may have to ask for proof of citizenship before handing out food. Now local pantries are speaking out, urging the state to not pursue the change.

This comes after the federal administration released an executive order urging the states to restrict emergency food bought with federal dollars, also known as TEFAP, from non-U.S. citizens.

If the proposal is approved, people who go into food pantries and pick up food could be asked to show proof of citizenship at the counter. Local food pantries say if this goes through, they have no idea how to enforce it.

NeighborGood Pantry in Papillion released a statement earlier this week pushing the state to not go through with this.

“We’re going to have to have just an area with a sign that says TEFAP foods. U.S. citizens only,” Melissa Nelson, the Executive Director at NeighborGood pantry, said.

Nelson said TEFAP food makes up 15% of their pantry.

“What happens when it’s children that are here with their parents shopping and they see food over there they want, but we’re not allowed to have them choose it. And then it’s also just, is this how we treat humans? This is how we treat the people that live in our area and our neighbors,” Nelson said.

Nelson said that this will bring added stress for everyone, even U.S. citizens.

“Look at the people that we’re serving, look at them, that they’re humans and our neighbors and families that are already seeking help because of food insecurity are already burdened. They’re already dealing with the stress that we might not know if this is in our everyday life. And so why are we adding this burden to families?” Nelson said.

NeighborGood said the pantry is standing up for what they think is right.

“You can’t be part of the solution if you’re part of the problem. And in this state, reportedly, 1 in 6 people are food insecure, and if the state adopts this, they’re being part of the problem, not part of the solution to help make that better,” Bill Conley, the NeighborGood Pantry board president, said.

Last month, Nebraska DHHS sent KETV a statement saying they are currently in the process of gathering information to pursue an amendment.

Wednesday, when asked for an update, DHHS said they had none.

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