How Federal Program Cuts Are Impacting Nevada Farmers and Food Security: A Dire Situation

RENO, Nev. — A federal program that once linked Nevada farmers with food banks has been discontinued, leaving local growers in a tough spot and families hungry for fresh food.

The USDA’s recent decision to cut the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) has hit farmers and food banks hard. This program, known in Nevada as “Home Feeds Nevada,” was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to help local farmers and improve food security thanks to the American Rescue Plan. With its end, farmers like Ray Johnson find themselves struggling to sell their produce, which puts low-income families at risk of losing access to healthy food options.

“I don’t like to see people going hungry,” Johnson shared.

At his 2.5-acre farm, Custom Gardens, Johnson has been growing a variety of fruits and vegetables for over 30 years, alongside volunteers and his dog, Toki. This year, however, he has planted only half his fields.

“We have seeds ready, but I’m hesitant to plant them. There’s simply no market, and people can’t afford to buy,” he explained.

Through Home Feeds Nevada, Johnson had donated 2,500 pounds of fresh produce to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. Now, without that steady outlet, he faces extra uncertainty and is considering farmers markets, which bring additional costs like insurance and setup fees that eat into his tight profits.

“Paying four dollars for a bunch of carrots? It’s hard to stomach,” Johnson said. “But it’s what I must do just to break even.”

The end of the LFPA isn’t just a financial issue; it raises ethical questions too. Johnson pointed out that families relying on programs like WIC to buy fruits and vegetables will find it increasingly difficult.

“I don’t want to raise prices for my customers, but the lack of support leaves me no choice,” he lamented. “We live among these communities, and it’s tough to justify higher costs to our neighbors.”

Food banks are feeling the impact as well. The Food Bank of Northern Nevada, which supports around 160,000 families each month, is struggling without the three million pounds of food that flowed through Home Feeds Nevada. Jocelyn Lantrip, the marketing director, stated, “The demand for food assistance is still 76% higher than before the pandemic. The loss of this program is definitely felt.”

As farmers begin their growing season, there’s a clear call for new solutions that can sustain local agriculture while addressing the ongoing need for food assistance. Without programs like Home Feeds Nevada, both the most vulnerable families and small farms face steep challenges.

According to recent statistics from Feeding America, food insecurity affects 10.5% of households in the United States—up from pre-pandemic levels, highlighting a pressing need for effective support systems.

As this situation unfolds, farmers and food providers must unite to find innovative ways to ensure good food reaches those who need it the most. Experts urge that rebuilding local food systems could be a critical step toward food security and economic sustainability for communities across the country.



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