How Federal Spending Cuts Affect Food Access and Security in Upper Michigan

CHATHAM, Mich. – Farmers in Upper Michigan are feeling the pressure from recent federal budget cuts. Trevor Case, who runs Case Country Farm in Chatham, has been in business for six years. He credits much of his success to the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement, which helped connect local farms to food banks through Feeding America.

“This program allowed us to sell fresh food to a lot of people in our community who need it,” Case explains. However, recent budget cuts from the USDA threaten this support. In March, the agency slashed approximately $420 million from the program, which has left him anxious about the future. “When a third of our business disappeared overnight, it scared me,” he says.

To adapt, Case has ramped up his personal marketing efforts, directly connecting with local food banks. “We relied on that baseline support from Feeding America, which helped us grow,” he adds. Now, he’s making strides to ensure his farm stays afloat amid the changes.

This funding cut is part of a larger initiative by the Trump administration to reduce what it deems wasteful federal spending. The USDA claims the cuts are necessary for long-term fiscal responsibility. However, Ken Estelle, CEO of Feeding America West Michigan, argues that these cuts create real hardship. His organization lost $2.2 million in funding, affecting food banks serving 40 counties.

“We relied on this funding to source fresh produce from local farms. Now we need to explore other ways to meet community needs,” Estelle says. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about finding solutions to secure food for those in poverty.

According to a 2022 report by the USDA, food insecurity rates are rising, with approximately 10.5% of U.S. households affected. This increasing trend highlights the urgency of maintaining support for local farms and food banks, ensuring that nutritious food reaches those who need it most.

The community’s resilience shows that even in tough times, there are still ways to work together for a better future.



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