Restore funding for school, community local food programs

The USDA's decision to cancel around $1 billion in funding for the Local Food for Schools and Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement programs is deeply concerning. These initiatives provided crucial support for schools and food banks to purchase food directly from local farmers, ranchers, and producers. Cutting this funding undermines efforts to improve nutrition in school meals, support local agriculture, and address food insecurity in communities. The Local Food for Schools program alone provided $660 million this year to schools in 40 states, allowing them to serve fresh, locally-sourced fruits, vegetables, and other products in their meals. For many districts, this funding helped keep meal costs affordable while introducing students to a diverse array of nutritious options. Likewise, the $420 million for the Local Food Purchase Assistance program enabled food banks and local organizations to provide communities with locally-sourced food assistance. Terminating these programs will not only disrupt established supply chains and partnerships with local producers but also diminish the quality and variety of food available to students and those facing hunger. At a time when many families and school districts are grappling with rising food costs, maintaining such initiatives is paramount to ensure access to healthy, affordable meals. I urge you to reconsider this decision and reinstate funding for these vital local food purchasing programs. Investing in efforts that connect schools, food banks, and communities with local agricultural producers promotes health, supports regional economies, and strengthens food resilience. Please prioritize the well-being of our nation's children, families, and farmers by preserving these initiatives.