Federal funding cuts and food insecurity were the main topics at Catholic Charities’ “Coffee and Conversations with Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre and Lisa DeJaco Crutcher, CEO” on October 29. The event took place at Catholic Charities’ office on East Broadway, where about two dozen people attended.

Archbishop Fabre addressed the group by saying that Catholic Charities is “the face of Jesus Christ” and of the Catholic Church to those in need.

Lisa DeJaco Crutcher, CEO of Catholic Charities, described several services offered by the agency, including Common Earth Gardens, Indigent Burial Services, language services, refugee services, and the Bakhita Empowerment Initiative. She spoke about how federal funding cuts have affected these programs and highlighted growing concerns over food insecurity.

Each service provided by the agency is “rooted in the principles of Catholic social teaching,” said DeJaco Crutcher.

“There’s a lot of concern right now about federal funding cuts,” she said. “Historically, a lot of our work here at Catholic Charities has been funded by the federal government.” She explained that refugee resettlement and anti-human trafficking programs have depended heavily on this support.

She added that other ministries are also impacted: losing access to federal funds has a “ripple effect through the whole agency.”

“We’ve been able to fund a robust operation in this building largely due to these federally funded positions. … Programs that didn’t have anything to do with federal funding will be affected because I have to use some of the money that I used to use to pay for staff in that program to keep the lights on,” she said.

Rising food costs have put additional pressure on food pantries run by Catholic Charities. DeJaco Crutcher expressed concern that their efforts may be further strained as uncertainty continues regarding future SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.

“We’re seeing a lot in the news about food and security and what people are facing, and I need everyone to understand this is genuinely a real crisis,” she said.

The organization operates three food pantries which are experiencing increased demand. More individuals are seeking help than before, and families who previously needed only three or four days’ worth of food now require eight to ten days’ supply each month.

“So we’re seeing more people, and the people who are coming have more need,” she said.

Supplies available from partners like Dare to Care have decreased due partly to changes within the Department of Agriculture as well as fewer donations from large grocery suppliers. Financial contributions also do not cover as much as they did previously because prices for groceries have risen.

“We’re experiencing the same things that you are when you go to the grocery store. We have the same amount of money, but it’s not going as far as it used to go.”

The agency now faces another challenge: feeding families who will receive reduced SNAP benefits beginning this month while a federal shutdown continues.

“So we have a really big problem. I am very concerned about what this is going to look like in the space of a couple of weeks.”

DeJaco Crutcher identified food as currently being their most urgent need: “For anyone who is able to support — whether with dollars or with items — it’s a big need, and it’s about to be even bigger.”

Among those attending were Paul and Debbie Kovarovic who came looking for ways they could serve others after years spent caring for family members. Paul Kovarovic stated they felt ready: “we have gifts that we need to give.” They plan on volunteering together moving forward.

Adriana Pulido from St. Bartholomew Church also attended hoping to learn how parishioners can get involved with Catholic Charities' work: “I know a lot of people that are willing to give back,” she said. Now she feels better equipped when asked how others can help out at Catholic Charities.

Those interested in donating can visit cclou.org/donate/#ways-to-give or contact donations@archlou.org; volunteer opportunities can be found at cclou.org/volunteer. The next Coffee and Conversations event will take place December 9 from 8:30–9:30 AM followed by an optional tour; registration information is available via Brian Monell at bmonell@archlou.org or 502-637-9786 ext. 118.