Daniel Ackerman

In this insightful discussion, Matt Levin, a Marketplace reporter focusing on trade wars, and Daniel Ackerman, a retail beat reporter, highlight the struggles of food banks during the summer when kids lose access to school meals. They delve into the impact of recent USDA budget cuts and heightened deportation fears on hungry families in Texas. Additionally, the duo tackles the broader economic ramifications of tariffs, showcasing the rising costs of essential goods and a marked drop in consumer spending, illustrating how families are feeling the pinch.

Matt Levin, a dedicated reporter at Marketplace, teams up with Daniel Ackerman, who covers retail trends for the same outlet. They delve into the pressing issue of summer break hunger as food banks struggle to fill the gap left by school meal programs. With severe USDA budget cuts and rising deportation fears, demand is skyrocketing. The conversation also touches on the impact of tariffs on baby product prices and the concerning decline in retail sales, shedding light on the intricate ties between food insecurity and economic challenges.