1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern over the recent cancellation of the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS) and to urge its reinstatement. This program has been instrumental in connecting schools with local farmers, providing students with fresh, nutritious meals while supporting local agricultural economies. Our favorite local farm Hickory Nut Gap Farms and countless local children have been directly impacted by this decision. The LFS program has enabled schools to source minimally processed foods such as fresh produce, dairy, and meats from nearby farmers. This not only ensures healthier meals for children but also strengthens community food systems and provides critical income stability for small-scale farmers. The cancellation of this initiative jeopardizes these benefits, leaving both students and local producers at risk. According to reports, 40% of food produced in the U.S. is wasted annually, while millions of Americans face food insecurity. Programs like LFS combat these issues by promoting sustainable practices and reducing reliance on large-scale suppliers. Furthermore, they align with USDA’s stated goals of reducing food waste by 50% by 2030 and fostering healthier communities. The decision to cut this funding undermines years of progress in building farm-to-school networks and educating children about the value of local, nutritious food. I respectfully request that your office reconsider this decision and work toward restoring permanent funding for LFS or similar programs. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. I look forward to your response and hope we can work together to ensure the health and well-being of our children and communities.