For the past two years, the nonprofit Well Fed in Little Rock has been a lifeline for 800 low-income families in Central Arkansas. Each month, they deliver boxes filled with fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products. However, this vital source of nutritious food is at risk. If funding doesn’t come through soon, families will receive only basic commodities like beans and canned goods instead of the fresh produce they depend on.
Executive Director Joshua Harris explained that items like eggs and meat are becoming prohibitively expensive. With eggs costing around $7 a dozen and meat about $15 a pound, these changes represent a significant economic blow to families who rely on these boxes for access to fresh food.
The Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program, run by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), has been crucial. It provides funding for nonprofits like Well Fed to buy food directly from small farmers and distribute it to families in need. Currently, about 150,000 families in Arkansas receive food support through this program, according to the Arkansas Department of Education.
However, uncertainty looms. Recently, a vendor for the LFPA, WSBZ Farms, found their orders on hold due to the program’s unclear future. A spokesperson for the Arkansas Foodbank acknowledged this troubling pause in local food distribution.
In an email to the Arkansas Times, a USDA spokesperson confirmed that the LFPA program will come to an end. This reflects the ongoing changes in federal spending priorities, particularly under the Trump administration. They noted their focus is shifting toward longer-term solutions instead of short-term programs initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision could greatly impact several food security initiatives across the country.
Both LFPA and another USDA program, Local Food for Schools, came into existence during the pandemic to help bolster local food systems. Arkansas joined LFPA in September 2022, looking to improve food access for its residents.
In Arkansas, about 20 farms supply food to the LFPA program, distributing it to eight primary organizations, including Well Fed and various food banks. Communication regarding the program’s future has been sparse and unclear, leaving many, including farmers, anxious about what comes next. Harris expressed concern about the potential loss of local food sources for thousands of Arkansans.
Since joining LFPA, Well Fed has provided over $400,000 worth of food, distributing around 144,832 pounds in just 2024 alone. Harris worries about the impact of losing this program, questioning what could replace it and ensure families still have access to fresh produce.
Arkansas faces high food insecurity, with one in five residents struggling with hunger. A report by Feeding America highlights that approximately $400 million annually is needed to meet the state’s food needs. “It’s a massive loss,” Harris emphasized. “It supports local agriculture and helps farmers. Without this, how will they survive?”
WSBZ Farms noted that the LFPA program added roughly $20,000 to their monthly income, making a big difference. Similarly, Anthony Mirisciotta from the Spring Creek Food Hub revealed that LFPA accounted for 40% of their sales in 2024. This funding helped them buy about 200,000 pounds of produce from 64 local farmers. Mirisciotta pointed out that because of LFPA’s support, farmers were able to expand operations and grow more diverse crops.
However, with this program ending, many small farmers may face tough times ahead. “LFPA threw gas on the fire for local farmers,” he said. “But now, we might lose that momentum.”
Other food banks echo this sentiment. The Arkansas Foodbank stated the program’s end would present challenges, but they remain dedicated to ensuring access to healthy food. Their partnerships will be essential moving forward. Kent Elkenberry, from the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, acknowledged that while they relied on LFPA funds, they expected the funding duration might not last forever. The impact on protein supply for local families remains uncertain without this funding.
As the situation develops, food banks and nonprofits brace for changes. They’ll continue their work, but their ability to purchase food could be severely limited. Christie Jordan from the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas noted that LFPA funding allowed them to procure meats and fresh produce that generally weren’t available. With the program’s end, they may struggle to maintain those partnerships.
While the future looks uncertain for food assistance in Arkansas, the ongoing conversation shows a strong community commitment to finding solutions. The need for stable, long-term strategies remains crucial to supporting both families and farmers in the state.
Check out this related article: El Paso Food Bank Cuts Operating Hours Due to Funding Challenges: How You Can Help
Source linkAnthony Mirisciotta,Arkansas Department of Education,Arkansas Foodbank,Christie Jordan,Joshua Harris,Kent Elkenberry,Local Food Purchase Assistance,news,Northwest Arkansas Food Bank,Well Fed
