EVANSVILLE, Ind. — As food prices continue to rise, local organizations are preparing for an additional strain on their resources with the upcoming 25% tariff on agricultural imports from Mexico and Canada, set to take effect in April 2025. The tariff, aimed at promoting domestic agricultural sales, is expected to have far-reaching consequences, particularly on fresh produce and other imported goods, driving up costs for both consumers and food assistance programs.
One such organization feeling the weight of these price hikes is Feed Evansville, a local nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity in the region. According to Lisa Vaughan, chair of Feed Evansville, over 60% of the vegetables supplied to the United States come from Mexico. With the new tariff, Vaughan fears the resulting cost increase will be passed down to consumers and nonprofit organizations alike, further stretching already tight budgets.
“When you add a 25% increase to the cost of importing goods, someone’s gonna have to pay for that,” Vaughan said. “The companies importing the goods will shoulder some of the cost, but ultimately, it’s the consumers who will bear the brunt of it.”
Despite accessing discounted distributor rates, Vaughan noted that rising costs will limit the nonprofit’s ability to serve as many families as they typically do. “Even with the discounted rates I can get, the reality is that I won’t be able to purchase as much food as before,” she explained. “And with more families potentially in need, that’s a serious concern.”
In response to the looming price increases, Vaughan is encouraging local families to consider strategies such as meal planning and buying locally whenever possible. She also suggested that residents explore farmers markets and directly connect with local farmers to secure fresh produce at better prices.
To further support the community, Feed Evansville is working on initiatives to increase access to locally grown food. Vaughan mentioned the upcoming Grocery Farmers Summit, which aims to bring more locally sourced products to stores and households, although she cautioned that it will take time for these efforts to fully materialize.
“Getting more local produce into stores and onto plates will take time, but it’s a process we’re committed to,” Vaughan said.
In the meantime, Feed Evansville is also focusing on education to help residents make the most of their food. The nonprofit plans to use social media platforms to debunk common food safety myths, particularly those around expiration dates. Vaughan explained that many people discard food too soon because they believe it has spoiled, even when it is still safe to eat.
“Milk that expired yesterday, for example, may still be good today,” Vaughan said. “We’re going to use our social media channels to provide accurate information and educate the public on food safety to reduce unnecessary waste.”
The impending tariff adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation for low-income families in Evansville. As organizations like Feed Evansville prepare for the upcoming changes, local residents are encouraged to stay informed and explore creative solutions to help mitigate the impact of rising food prices.
