How Federal Funding and Buyouts are Disrupting Local Food Assistance Programs: Understanding the Impact on Communities

NEW MARKET, Va. (WHSV) – Changes from Washington D.C. are affecting food assistance programs in the Shenandoah Valley. The Jon Henry General Store in New Market is feeling the impact due to uncertainties around federal funding.

This store is popular for its fresh, local produce and community support. Owner Jon Henry runs a monthly giveaway of free produce in partnership with the New Market 7th Day Adventist Church. This effort relies on federal funds and donations, but Henry fears he may have to cut back.

The funds for this program come from the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA) grant, managed by the Department of Agriculture (USDA). Recently, a memo from the Trump administration asked federal agencies to pause grants and loans. Although that memo was quickly rescinded, the confusion remains.

“We really don’t know if we can get repaid or not,” Henry shared. “We might have to reduce our operations and the products we provide because we aren’t sure if we can afford them yet.”

If the store scales back, it could affect around 500 families who benefit from Henry’s efforts in Shenandoah County and Harrisonburg. He explained that the lack of communication about funding is troubling, especially with buyouts being offered to USDA employees.

“We can’t reach anyone at the department,” Henry said. “We’re in limbo. Not knowing if we’ll receive funding can leave us facing significant financial risks.”

Last year, the LFPA program gave almost $2 million to Virginia farmers between October and December alone. Without such grants, food assistance programs may not be able to purchase as much from local farmers, which would hurt their sales.

Henry noted the difficulties this causes. “It’s challenging to communicate with farmers when we aren’t sure if we can pay them or buy their produce,” he explained.

For now, the free produce giveaway will continue. The next event is Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the 7th Day Adventist Academy in New Market.