President Trump’s steel and aluminum tariffs might elevate canned food prices, pushing San Antonio Food Bank to rethink sourcing and distribution.
SAN ANTONIO — President Donald Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminum took effect Wednesday, drawing retaliation from Europe and Canada.
Rising tariffs paired with inflation and supply chain disruptions are straining San Antonio charities.
The San Antonio Food Bank, for example, was already experiencing higher demand. Federal worker layoffs brought hundreds more through the food line.
With another challenge on the horizon, it could disrupt the non-profit’s ability to help.
“We just don’t know what the future is going to be and that’s the stress. That’s the uncertainty. That’s the fear,” said Eric Cooper, President and CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank. “I’m freaking out because we just don’t know.”
Recent tariffs enacted by President Trump could have a direct impact on the availability and cost of food.
If prices go up, the San Antonio Food Bank may have to make tough decisions about where to source food and how its distributed.
“We’ve been ripped off for years, and we’re not going to be ripped off,” said President Trump in a press conference Thursday. “We’re gonna take back our wealth.”
Escalating trade taxes on steel and aluminum means anything made with metal — from homes, to cars to canned foods and beverages could soon get a higher price tag.
“We’re hearing from local farmers and food manufacturers their fears if their packaging costs go up when it comes to aluminums, cans and all that kind of stuff. That just gets passed on,” Cooper explained. “For families, that means less food will be in their grocery cart as a result.”
With recent federal cutbacks, the San Antonio Food Bank lost money, too.
The last few years, the food bank benefitted from the Local Food Purchase Program (LFPA), getting $3 million to purchase food from Texas farmers. Thursday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed with CBS News that the federal program is being dissolved. The program helped non-profits, food programs and schools throughout the country purchase products from local farmers.
Cooper learned the USDA cut off his last year of funding.
“We want to support improvements and if there are improvements to the program, we’re all about that, but losing support is something that will cause people to go hungry,” he explained. “We worry that we will run short and have to ration or not give as much food…We just hope Washington will be mindful of San Antonio and the families we serve.”
While the San Antonio Food Bank doesn’t have all the answers yet, one thing is certain: they’ll do everything they can to keep reaching those who depend on them. This means feeding 105,000 people a week in 29 counties in southwest Texas.
“Hunger is a bipartisan issue,” said Cooper. “I’m optimistic people will do the right thing.”
KENS 5 asked Cooper how the community can help improve the situation right now. He encourages those who can to donate, volunteer to help keep up with demand or host a food drive.
If you’re in need of food assistance, call 210-431-8326. That will reach the San Antonio Food Bank’s call center.