Last week, Farm Fresh RI was featured in The Boston Globe in a story about the challenges local farmers and food access programs have faced after the abrupt loss of federal funding earlier this year—and about a new bill in Congress that could help.
The Strengthening Local Food Security Act, introduced by Senator Jack Reed (RI) and Senator Jim Justice (WV), would create a permanent grant program for states and tribes to buy food from local farmers and fishers for schools, food banks, and other community programs. If passed, it could restore a vital funding stream that helped us connect fresh, local food with tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders in need.
In the wake of this year’s funding cuts, farmers are “doing more with less,” navigating rising costs and fewer wholesale opportunities. This bi-partisan bill is a hopeful step forward, but it’s not law yet. To become reality, it needs broad support from lawmakers across the political spectrum.
Here in Rhode Island, our congressional delegation already stands behind this bill. If you care about these issues, we encourage you to connect with family, friends, and colleagues in other states to share why strong, reliable funding for local food matters.
Want to help? Forward this news page to folks in other states, share the article on social media, or tell your story about why local food matters.
Together, we can get healthy, locally grown food to the schools, food banks, and neighbors who need it most.
For media inquiries, please contact communications@farmfreshri.org
