How Wisconsin Communities Are Tackling Fresh Food Grant Cuts: Innovative Solutions and Local Resilience

Every spring, Kat Becker bustles on her farm in north-central Wisconsin, delivering fresh radishes and gearing up for a busy harvest season. This year, however, she’s not just farming; she’s also standing up for local agriculture. Recent cuts to the Wisconsin Local Food Purchase Assistance Program have left her and other farmers in a tough spot.

In March, the Trump administration slashed funding for this program, which had linked local farmers with food pantries to help combat hunger. Launched in 2021 through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the program was a collaborative effort that included groups like the Wisconsin Farmers Union and Marbleseed nonprofit. It provided much-needed support to farmers and helped get fresh produce to those in need.

Becker expressed concerns over the sudden cancellation, stating, “We had everything planned, and starting over feels frustrating.”

Terry Parisi, who runs a family farm in Stoughton, shared her own struggles. Last year, she received a $10,000 grant under the program for her grass-fed beef. The financial security the grant provided allowed her to focus on farming rather than marketing her product. “It was comforting to know I had already sold half my herd,” she said.

With the program gone, Parisi had to rethink her plans. She had stocked up on sweet potato slips but later canceled her order when hearing about the funding cut. Meanwhile, her neighbor Rufus Haucke also faced uncertainty as he prepared to plant crops for the now-defunct program. He had expected to receive a $20,000 grant, which significantly impacted his farm’s finances.

The absence of this program raises serious concerns about food access in rural Wisconsin. According to a 2022 report, food insecurity is a significant issue in areas like Juneau County, which ranks third in the state. Dustin Ladd, a conservationist, noted that last year, the LFPA program facilitated the distribution of food from 13 local farms to families in need. “Over 70% of our food recipients were over 50,” he said.

The cuts not only impact farmers but also the communities that rely on their produce. Grocery store access is already limited, making programs like LFPA essential for food security. Local farms have been a lifeline, distributing fresh food to pantries, schools, and families.

While farmers like Becker and Haucke try to pivot, they lack the certainty they once had. Becker, for instance, had planned to expand her staff but decided against it because of the funding instability. This uncertainty makes it difficult for farmers to plan their operations.

Advocates like Becker are actively seeking alternative funding to revive the program. She mentioned that there are ongoing efforts at the local and state levels. In a recent state budget proposal, Governor Tony Evers suggested funding a similar version of the program, but Republican lawmakers cut it.

The loss of this funding underscores the vital role small farms play in feeding communities. Parisi summed it up well: “Every penny matters out here.”

### Expert Insights and Broader Context

Experts stress the importance of strong local food systems to combat food insecurity. In particular, research shows that with rising food prices—an increase of nearly 24% from 2020 to 2024 according to a report—local initiatives become more critical.

Historically, federal programs designed to support farmers have fluctuated based on changing administrations. What remains constant is the need for reliable funding to support the backbone of local agricultural economies. As it stands, farmers, advocates, and community members will continue pushing for viable solutions to ensure everyone has access to fresh and nutritious food.

In conclusion, while the cuts to the LFPA program present significant challenges, the resilience of farmers and community advocates shines through. Their commitment to feeding families and supporting local agriculture remains strong.



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