A federal program that helped low-income families access fresh produce has come to an end, leaving many families and local farmers in a tough spot. The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) was launched by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2021 to provide funds for buying fresh fruits and vegetables directly from farmers. This initiative was crucial, especially during the pandemic, as it ensured communities could access healthy food options.
One nonprofit, Veggielution in East San Jose, received $1 million annually from the LFPA to supply fresh produce to 600 families each week. Now, they will reduce this to just 100 families starting in January. According to Veggielution’s Executive Director, Shawn Gerth, this cut creates new levels of food insecurity that are different from those experienced during COVID-19.
“It’s alarming to see the government pulling back support when families need it the most,” Gerth said.
For many families, the weekly produce boxes were a lifeline. One single mother shared that these boxes were often her only source of fresh and organic food, which she cannot afford otherwise. The loss of this program means she now relies on local food banks, where produce is frequently close to spoiling.
The situation is further complicated by rising living costs. For example, one resident currently pays $2,400 a month in rent and fears losing her financial support as her son moves out.
“In East Side communities, multiple challenges are piling up,” Gerth noted. “Housing issues, childcare costs, and concerns about safety all add to the stress.”
California has received over $88 million in LFPA funds since 2022, yet food insecurity continues to rise, putting pressure on local food banks. Leslie Bacho, CEO of Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, reported that their organization is preparing to draw from reserves to meet increased demand. They are also restoring items like milk and eggs to their offerings, but the reduction of LFPA funds is a significant blow.
The impact of this program’s end on small farmers must also be highlighted. For farmers like Héktor Calderón-Victoria of Three Feathers Farm, the LFPA was a crucial revenue source. He grows culturally relevant produce like tomatoes and cilantro and relied on the program to minimize crop spoilage.
“Now, I have to shift my strategy,” he said. “I’ll focus more on direct sales and perhaps growing fewer crops next season.”
The struggle to find reliable markets is a common challenge faced by farmers. Even as they produce high-quality food, connecting with consumers and businesses is often the hardest part of running a farm.
In recent years, food insecurity has gained national attention. A 2023 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that around 10% of households reported not having enough food, a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges many face. This makes community support and initiatives like LFPA all the more critical.
Both farmers and families are grappling with the consequences as they adapt to these newfound pressures. The end of the LFPA has left many worried about their future access to healthy food and sustaining their local agriculture.
For more insights on food assistance and local initiatives, check out this report on food security trends.
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