California Tribes Race Against Time to Secure Funding for Critical Food Assistance Programs

Here are today’s top stories from Monday, July 14, 2025.

• The Trump administration’s recent move to cut a federal food assistance program is causing serious issues for California’s tribal communities. The Hoopa Valley Tribe relies on these funds to provide fresh, local food for their elders and to support local farmers. With funding ending this year, they are struggling to find alternatives.
• In another development, the Trump administration is appealing a federal judge’s decision that restricts immigration agents from stopping or detaining individuals based on race or occupation.
• Tragically, a California farmworker lost their life after falling from a greenhouse roof during an immigration raid in Ventura County. This incident marks the first known death linked to the Trump administration’s ICE operations.

Food Program Cuts Challenge Hoopa Valley Tribe

Every week, 74-year-old Norma McAdams visits the senior center on the Hoopa Valley Reservation for fresh produce from local farmers. A recent osteoporosis diagnosis and a back injury have made it difficult for her to grow her own food, making these weekly boxes essential.

Norma is one of 180 seniors benefiting from the USDA’s Local Food Purchase Assistance program (LFPA). Since its launch in 2022, LFPA has provided $88.5 million to California food banks and tribal governments. This program aims to strengthen local food systems, especially in areas like Hoopa Valley, where nearly 30% of residents live in poverty. Allie Hostler, who oversees the local program, emphasizes its impact: “For our local farmers, it meant market stability.”

However, in March, the Trump administration cancelled LFPA, leaving the tribe without a crucial safety net. Before the pandemic, the Hoopa Valley tribe recognized the risks of depending too heavily on outside food sources. In 2015, a grocery store closure turned the area into a food desert. Though the tribe now operates its own market, much of the food is still transported from distant farms. Hostler hoped LFPA would help local farmers grow enough to supply the store directly.

These cuts not only threaten food security but also hinder community growth and stability. Experts say that investing in local food systems is crucial for resilience, especially during challenging times. According to a 2022 study from the Food Research and Action Center, effective local food programs can reduce food insecurity and improve health outcomes.

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