WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07) worked with colleagues to introduce a bipartisan bill to boost the purchasing and distribution of local food by building stronger connections between local producers and community food programs, expanding markets, and improving access to healthy food for those in need.
The bipartisan Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act would allow states, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), to establish cooperative agreements connecting regional farmers and producers with local food distribution organizations. Through these agreements, funds would be used to purchase local, fresh, and minimally processed foods like meat, seafood, milk, cheese, eggs, fruit, and poultry.
“As the only Virginian on the House Agriculture Committee, I know the Local Food Purchase Assistance and Local Food for Schools programs are essential for our farmers and the families they feed across the Seventh. When the Trump Administration suddenly ended both, it caused a ripple effect — hurting local farmers, schools, and food banks across the Commonwealth and the United States. This cannot stand,” said Vindman.“Earlier this year, I met with Eugene Triplett at his fifth-generation, Black-owned family farm in Culpeper. He told me directly that these programs helped him get healthy, locally grown food to hungry kids and families. I will always work to deliver for Virginia families and farmers like Eugene.”
The bipartisan Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act is also led by U.S. Representatives Rob Bresnahan (R-PA-08), David Valadao (R-CA-22), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), and Josh Riley (D-NY-19).
“Far too often the discussion around alleviating hunger leaves out those who grow, raise, and produce food – our local farmers. Reducing the barriers between our communities and the farmers who produce our food is a commonsense approach to ensure everyone in Northeast Pennsylvania has access to the food they need.” said Bresnahan. “This bill recognizes the hard work that is needed to supply fresh and nutritious food like fruit, veggies, milk, and cheese, while also creating a clear path to putting this food on the plates of people who need it. This investment in our local farmers is an investment in stronger local food security and healthier communities.”
“The Central Valley grows the food that feeds our nation, and this bill gives us a chance to connect our farmers directly with local families and food banks to deliver healthy, homegrown food where it’s needed most,” said Valadao. “The Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act is a bipartisan effort that invests in our farmers and communities, and I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in support.”
“When Trump’s USDA abruptly ended the Local Food Purchase Assistance and Local Food for Schools programs, it pulled the rug out from under farmers, food banks, and schools across the country—including in Maine. These were proven tools for strengthening local food supply chains, supporting small producers, and getting healthy, locally grown food to hungry families,” said Pingree. “Our bipartisan Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act restores and improves on that successful model. It’s a practical, community-driven solution that invests in our nation’s farmers, builds regional resilience, and fights hunger.”
“It doesn’t get more common sense than fighting hunger by supporting local farmers,” said Riley. “This is about putting food on the tables of people who need it most and investing directly in the family farmers who power our rural communities.”
Specifically, the Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act would:
· Allows USDA to create cooperative agreements with state agencies to purchase and distribute local food.
· Sets aside a portion of funding specifically for smaller farmers and ranchers, as well as veteran-owned operations.
· Provides technical assistance to help farmers meet food safety standards and grow their operations.
· Strengthens local and regional food systems to improve food security, reduce supply chain disruptions, and minimize waste.
The Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act is endorsed by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), Feeding America, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC), the National Farmers Union (NFU), and Save the Children.
“We commend Representatives Rob Bresnahan, R-PA, Josh Riley, D-NY, David Valadao, R-CA, and Chellie Pingree, D-ME, for their bipartisan Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act,” said National Milk Producers Federation. “This bill will provide an additional pipeline for dairy farmers to provide their communities with nutritious milk and dairy products. We especially thank the sponsors for ensuring that farmer-owned cooperatives are eligible to participate in this important food security initiative and look forward to working to enact this legislation.”
“Our nation’s farmers are a key part of the nutritious food provided to community members through local food banks and pantries,” said Vince Hall, Chief of Government Relations Officer, Feeding America. “Farmers have worked in partnership with Feeding America food banks for over half a century. The Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act would increase resources for states to support local growers and ensure their nutritious food is connected with community members through local organizations like food banks. Feeding America supports the introduction of this legislation and encourages members of Congress to endorse this bipartisan bill that helps farmers and food banks.”
“The bipartisan Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act makes meaningful investments in local and regional food systems by connecting small and mid-sized farmers to nearby communities, strengthening rural economies and advancing health-driven outcomes for consumers,” said Ted McKinney, CEO, NASDA. “NASDA supports this legislation led by U.S. House Representatives Bresnahan (PA) and Riley (NY) and urges the House to swiftly pass this bill.”
“The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition greatly appreciates Representatives Riley, Pingree, Valadao, and Bresnahan for their steadfast commitment in investments that promote strong, resilient, local food systems,” said Hannah Quigley, Policy Specialist with NSAC. “The Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act is a practical approach to address food insecurity that supports local family farmers and businesses.”
“This legislation benefits family farmers and the communities they feed,” said Rob Larew, President of National Farmers Union. “It strengthens local food systems, expands economic opportunity, and builds more resilient farms.”
Read the full bill text here.
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