TEFAP & CSFP: Funding and

Food Sourcing Streams

Thursday, February 26 | 3:00 - 4:00 PM ET

Members: Free
Non-Members: $25

_____________________________

This webinar will provide a deep dive into the food and funding streams that support TEFAP and CSFP. Learn more about appropriations, entitlement commodities, Section 32, and examples of food sourcing from Feeding America network food banks.

Meet the Speakers:

Julia Lemp 

Senior Policy Manager

Julia is a Senior Policy Manager on the Feeding America Government Relations Team, where she works to strengthen federal anti-hunger policy and USDA foods programs. Prior to joining Feeding America in 2023, Julia served as the inaugural Policy Specialist at the Capital Area Food Bank, supporting the strategic direction of the Advocacy and Public Policy Department throughout the DC metro area. Julia also previously lead the Advocacy Team in her role as a Marketing Communications Specialist at Northern Illinois Food Bank, serving 13 counties in the suburban and rural areas outside of Chicago. Julia received her B.A. in Political Communication from The George Washington University, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Affairs from Indiana University (graduating in May 2026!). She lives in DC with her fiancé, Jason, and their newly adopted pup, Bagel. 

Derek Polka

Manager of Government Food Operations

Derek Polka is the Manager of Government Food Operations at Feeding America, where he supports the food bank network in operationalizing federal food programs and strengthening the emergency food system. He brings over a decade of experience spanning food bank operations, federal nutrition policy, research, and advocacy, with prior leadership roles at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and the San Francisco–Marin Food Bank. Derek has deep expertise in SNAP, TEFAP, and federal commodities, as well as experience engaging policymakers and translating policy into operational impact for frontline organizations. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, with a concentration in Food Security and Global Governance.

Emily Shearer

Vice President of Food Acquisition and Advocacy, Food Bank of Iowa

Emily Shearer has been with Food Bank of Iowa for almost 10 years, always having served in a food sourcing role, and most recently as the vice president of food acquisition and advocacy. Her work focuses on purchasing, TEFAP/USDA, and working with manufacturers/wholesalers on donation opportunities. Emily has also been given the opportunity to take on more advocacy work within this role, which is a new challenge. She holds a BA in Fashion Merchandising from Iowa State University but now buys food instead of clothes. After graduation and a winding path of various jobs, she started volunteering and working at a local food pantry. It was that eye-opening experience that ignited her passion for helping others and being a part of Food Bank of Iowa’s mission of ending hunger in Iowa. 

Britni Stupin

Director of Food Distribution Strategy, Food Bank of the Rockies

Britni (She/Her) serves as the Director of Food Distribution Strategy at Food Bank of the Rockies in Denver, CO. Her work covers four USDA programs including CSFP, TEFAP, CACFP, SFSP, and one backpack program designed to cover children's nutritional needs during weekends. Her work with CSFP began in 2022, where she focused on serving older adults in 29 counties throughout Colorado, partnering with over 120 Hunger Relief Organizations. Britni is no stranger to federal programs, having previously worked with HUD housing programs for those experiencing homelessness in Updates New York, along with other direct neighbor service work. She holds a bachelor's degree in Global Studies, concentrating in Public Health and African Studies from St. Lawrence University. Britni currently serves on the National CSFP Association Board of Directors as Vice President, representing members in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. In her free time, Britni enjoys hitting the Colorado trails, reading a good book, and camping every chance she gets!