The Trump Administration made a decision to cancel two national food programs, both of which provide vital support to Virginia‘s food banks and schools.
The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS) support food banks, schools and other food providers in purchasing food directly from local farms, ranchers and producers.
U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine wrote a letter to Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins urging the Trump Administration to reverse the decision, which will cost Virginia $21 million in federal funding.
Across the country, LFPA and LFS boost local economies by allowing states to procure local food and distribute to providers. With USDA’s decision, federal funding will be lost that would directly support the Commonwealth’s farmers, ranchers and other food producers. Already in Virginia, the impact of abrupt cancellations are felt, with local food banks struggling to make ends meet following the sudden loss of funding.
“LFPA and LFS allow Virginia to procure local food and distribute to providers such as food banks and schools, benefitting producers, those experiencing food insecurity, and local economies. In Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25), Virginia was eligible to receive nearly $21 million through LFPA and LFS – including $10.1 million for schools and $3.4 million for childcare facilities – to support 183 farmers in providing fresh produce and other healthy foods to food-insecure households across the Commonwealth. With USDA’s decision to cancel these funds, Virginia farmers are deprived of a crucial market for this season and low-income communities face even greater barriers to access fresh, healthy foods,” the senators wrote.
They continued: “Cancelling LFPA and LFS, with the ~$21 million Virginia was to receive in FY25, hurts Virginia farmers, food providers, families and those working tirelessly to support them.”
Related stories:
N.C.: Food Bank of the Albemarle faces loss of $1M in funding from USDA cuts
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Rebecca Barnabi
