Crystal’s NEAR Food Shelf Asks U.S. Rep. Omar For Funding Help
Crystal’s NEAR Food Shelf hosted U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D – 5th Congressional District) on Wednesday, showing off its recent remodel and asking for help with future funding.
“We just really are looking forward to hearing what her department is able to do for the food shelf,” said Thea Bruley, NEAR Food Shelf director. “These programs need to continue so that we can sustain the current level of service for our clients. If we don’t have that assistance, we’re going to have to get that from the community. And all food shelves are going to be hurting.”
NEAR Food Shelf Director Thea Bruley, left, walks with Minnesota Rep. Cedrick Frazier (DFL-New Hope) and U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar on Wednesday.
The visit came just after President Donald Trump’s administration announced plans to freeze federal grants and loans.
Omar’s visit was in the morning — and by the afternoon, The White House had rescinded those plans.
She told CCX News that she is hoping to make food insecurity a priority while debating the federal budget.
“Congress has the power of the purse,” Omar said. “We allocated resources where we wanted. If the president wants a budget that meets his agenda, he can work with congress to pass that.”
Bruley said NEAR gets some of its food through the USDA’s Emergency Food Assistance Program.
