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

The Trump Administration's decision to cut federal funding for programs that help local farms sell produce to public schools and food banks is deeply concerning. These programs provide vital markets for small and mid-sized farmers, enabling them to distribute fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables to children and families in need. Without this funding, many farmers like the Deal family orchards in Alexander County will lose a significant portion of their wholesale business. This jeopardizes not only their livelihoods but also the availability of healthy, regionally-sourced foods in school meals and food assistance programs. We urge you to reconsider these cuts and restore funding for initiatives that support both local agriculture and child nutrition. These programs represent a win-win - keeping family farms economically viable while improving access to fresh produce for our most vulnerable populations. Investing in programs that connect farms directly to consumers is an investment in the health and resilience of our communities. Please prioritize the interests of hard-working farmers and food-insecure families over short-sighted budget cuts that will reverberate through local economies.