Urgent: Support Needed to Restore USDA RFSI Grant Funding

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent freeze on the USDA and KDA Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Grant program. This abrupt decision has left small businesses, farmers, and food producers—including TOAST in Pittsburg, KS—in financial uncertainty and has halted critical progress in strengthening local food supply chains. The RFSI Grant was designed to improve food security, support small businesses, and promote sustainability by enabling independent food producers to invest in necessary equipment and infrastructure. TOAST received this grant to enhance their ability to process and store locally sourced ingredients, expand their SPREAD the L❤️AF initiative to provide fresh bread to food pantries, and reduce reliance on large food distributors by strengthening relationships with local farmers. However, due to an executive order, the USDA has frozen all funding for this program, leaving TOAST and countless others in financial limbo. Their most recent reimbursement request has not been paid, and there is uncertainty about whether previously reimbursed funds will be recalled. These sudden changes have placed significant financial strain on small businesses that carefully planned their budgets and operations around this funding. This situation is not just about one bakery—it is about the many small businesses, farmers, and local food producers who rely on these grants to sustain their operations and provide food security in our communities. The uncertainty surrounding this funding jeopardizes their livelihoods and the broader goal of strengthening local food systems. I urge you to take action to advocate for the restoration of this critical funding. Small businesses and farmers should not be left bearing the financial burden of commitments that were made and followed in good faith. I ask you to push for clarity on the status of this funding and work to ensure that small businesses are not unfairly penalized by abrupt policy changes. I appreciate your time and attention to this matter and look forward to your response regarding any actions that can be taken to support TOAST and others affected by this grant freeze.