The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has decided to cancel two important programs designed to support local food systems. These programs, the Local Food for Schools (LFS) Cooperative Agreement Program and the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Cooperative Agreement Program, aimed to help states, tribal governments, schools, and food banks buy fresh food directly from local farmers.
Together, these programs were expected to provide over $1 billion in funding this fiscal year. States like Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa were set to receive significant amounts of this money. For example, Illinois was to get around $41 million, Missouri $19.5 million, and Iowa more than $11 million.
The USDA shared that the cancellation follows a review of the programs. A spokesperson noted that these initiatives, introduced by the previous administration, no longer align with the department’s current goals. Transitioning away from these programs has left many in the agricultural community concerned.
Experts are sounding the alarm on what this means for local food systems. Alexis Bylander of the Food Research and Action Center emphasizes the critical role these programs play in providing healthy meals to children. Many students depend on school lunches as a primary source of nutrition. She expressed concern about the timing, given that families are already grappling with rising food prices.
Chris Schwartz from the Iowa Food System Coalition described the cancellation as perplexing. He pointed out that Iowa’s implementation of the LFPA program had become a model for other states. Many farmers had already invested in this funding, expecting to provide fresh produce throughout the year. “This kind of uncertainty can push farmers into financial distress,” Schwartz warned.
In Oklahoma, Chris Bernard from Hunger Free Oklahoma echoed these feelings. He highlighted that local farmers would suffer a significant loss due to the cuts, estimating the impact could reach up to $25 million. He noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, these programs were crucial in helping create a more robust food system.
The termination of these programs raises questions about broader implications for food security. As families continue to face economic challenges, the potential cuts to school meal and nutrition initiatives could worsen the situation. Bylander expressed deep concern for the future of access to nutritious food for many families.
In light of these changes, advocates and stakeholders are rallying to call attention to the need for continued support for local food systems. As the USDA revisits its strategy, the communities affected by these funding losses hope for a reconsideration of what support should look like moving forward.
With the right measures, it’s possible to build a more resilient food system that prioritizes local farmers and ensures that children have access to healthy meals. For more details, check out the USDA’s local food programs page.
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