Congressman David Valadao of California’s 22nd district has joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to introduce the Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act. The proposed legislation would enable states, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), to set up cooperative agreements connecting regional farmers and producers with local food distribution organizations. Funds from these agreements would be used to buy local, fresh, and minimally processed foods such as meat, seafood, milk, cheese, eggs, fruit, and poultry.
“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 Congressman 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.”
Rep. Rob Bresnahan of Pennsylvania stated: “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.” He added: “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.”
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree from Maine commented on previous USDA programs: “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,” she said. “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 Congressman Josh Riley of New York. “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.”
Other co-sponsors include Representatives Tony Wied (WI-08), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Zach Nunn (IA-03), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Jim Costa (CA-21), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), and Alma Adams (NC-12).
“This legislation supports a program with a proven record of increasing access to the fresh fruits and vegetables our farmers work hard to produce,” said Congressman Newhouse. “It cuts down on food waste, supplies food banks with produce, and ensures that those who need food can get it. I thank Rep. Bresnahan for his leadership on this legislation as we work to strengthen our food system and expand access to healthy food across the country.”
Congressman Nunn highlighted benefits for Iowa: “Iowa farmers work hard to grow high-quality, nutritious food. This bill helps ensure local families and food banks can afford the fresh produce grown right here in our communities,” he said. “I’m proud to back a plan that strengthens our food system supports small producers and veterans,and expands access to healthy,Iowa-grown meals.”
Congresswoman Budzinski noted her support for Illinois growers: “I’m proud to join this bipartisan bill to support our Illinois family farmers and help my constituents access nutritious locally-grownfood,” she said.“In Centraland Southern Illinois,the Local Food Purchase Assistanceand Local Foodfor Schoolshave beena win-win-winfor growersand producersfoodbanksandschools.It wasamajorsetbackwhentheseinitiativeswereabruptlycancelled.TheLocalFarmersFeedingOurCommunitiesActwouldrestorethesesuccessfulprogramsthatareaprovenwaytofight hunger,strengthenthefoodsupplychain,andbolsterthelocalagriculturaleconomy.”
“As the only Virginian onthe House Agriculture Committee,I knowtheLocalFoodPurchaseAssistanceandLocalFoodforSchoolsprogramsareessentialforourfarmersandthefamiliestheyfeedacrosstheSeventh.WhenTrumpAdministration suddenly ended both,it causedarippleeffect—hurtinglocalfarmersschools,andfoodbanksacrosstheCommonwealthandtheUnitedStates.Thiscannotstand,”saidCongressmanVindman.“Earlierthisyear,I metwithEugeneTriplettathisfifth-generationBlack-ownedfamilyfarminCulpeper.Hetoldmedirectlythattheseprogramshelpedhimgethealthy locallygrownfoodtohungrykidsandfamilies.IwillalwaysworktodeliverforVirginiafamiliesandfarmerslikeEugene.”
Key provisions of The Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act include allowing USDA cooperative agreements with state agencies for purchasing/distributing local foods; setting aside funding specifically for smaller or veteran-owned operations; providing technical assistance so farms meet safety standards; strengthening regional systems for better security,reduced disruptions,and less waste.
David Valadao has represented California’s 22nd congressional district since 2021 after previously serving in California’s State Assembly from 2010–2012.More information about Rep.Valadao. Born in Hanfordin1977Valadaocurrentlyresidesinthecity.Biographical details.
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