USDA Cuts: How Wisconsin’s Local Food Supply Faces Disruption and What It Means for You

Federal funding cuts have thrown Wisconsin’s food systems, and those across the U.S., into turmoil. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently decided to halt funding for two critical programs: the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) and the Local Food for Schools (LFS). These initiatives had provided over $1 billion to farmers nationwide, helping bring fresh food to food banks, pantries, and schools.

In Wisconsin, the USDA had committed funding for the LFPA program earlier this year, but officials say the decision was part of a move to focus on long-term programs instead of temporary pandemic-era ones. A USDA spokesperson stated that while this shift is not abrupt, farmers feel blindsided by the news. About 300 Wisconsin farmers participated in the LFPA program last year, delivering $4.2 million worth of food to 254 pantries. Many of these farmers had already made investments based on the program’s continuation.

Tara Roberts-Turner, the general manager of the Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative, emphasized the negative impact these cuts will have. She warned that without funding, many small and mid-sized farmers could struggle financially, jeopardizing local food infrastructure and making it harder for underserved communities to access fresh produce.

For instance, Wisconsin farmer Tracy Vinz shared a poignant moment from her time supplying fresh produce to food banks. An elderly woman, grateful for a bag of fresh vegetables, expressed how meaningful it was for her, saying it made her “feel human.” In Wisconsin, over 600,000 people face food insecurity, including more than 200,000 children, according to Feeding America.

Vinz also provided school children with fresh produce through the LFS program. Her farm was equipped to prep food for schools that lack the necessary resources, helping to get wholesome meals into classrooms. The funding cuts now force her to seek other buyers, as she had invested significantly to meet growing demand. The stress of finding new markets is compounded by the busy spring season when farms are already stretched thin.

Experts like Dawn Thilmany, an agricultural economist at Colorado State University, predict that these funding cuts will hurt mid-sized producers. These farmers are often too large to thrive solely in farmers markets but too small to compete with large-scale operations. Without programs like LFPA, they may have to accept lower prices or risk unsold crops.

The USDA’s decision has ignited frustration among Wisconsin officials. Governor Tony Evers strongly criticized the cuts, advocating for restoring the funding to support farmers and food producers in the state. Even Senator Tammy Baldwin joined the chorus, emphasizing the need for farmers to have access to markets and resources, especially in these uncertain times.

Roberts-Turner summed up the broader implications of this decision, calling it a “bad business move.” She pointed out that these investments help lower food costs, improve transportation efficiency, and feed communities.

Ultimately, maintaining local food systems is crucial not just for farmers but for the resilience of entire communities. As funding continues to dwindle, the future of such programs—and the farmers and families that depend on them—remains uncertain.



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