Strengthening Local Food Security Act: A Bipartisan Push for Economic Opportunities and Food Access

Strategic Insights -

The bipartisan Strengthening Local Food Security Act, introduced by Senators Jim Justice (R-WV) and Jack Reed (D-RI), aims to boost economic opportunities for farmers, fishermen, and producers while supporting food security by increasing access to locally grown, nutritious food at food banks and in schools. The bill would create a permanent grant program for state and tribal governments to procure local foods from local and regional producers for distribution to nearby hunger relief programs and schools.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Strengthening Local Food Security Act would create a permanent grant program for state and tribal governments to procure local foods from local and regional producers for distribution to nearby hunger relief programs and schools.
  • The grant program would support local economic development by creating new access to the hunger relief market for local farmers and fishermen, creating a new, reliable stream of orders for small, beginning, and underserved farmers, ranchers, and fishers.
  • The bill would help strengthen our domestic agricultural supply chain by investing in local food distribution and build local businesses that support durable and resilient local food systems.
  • The proposed legislation would support food security by providing fresh, nutritious, local food to communities and schools, feeding more families and helping ease the strain on food banks.
  • Supporting organizations, such as the National Farmers Union, Farm Credit, and NASDA, are backing the bill, citing its potential to make a meaningful impact and improve food security across the country.

Statistics:

  • The grant program would provide funding for state and tribal governments to procure local foods from local and regional producers for distribution to nearby hunger relief programs and schools. (Source: S. 2338)
  • The bill would create new access to the hunger relief market for local farmers and fishermen, creating a new, reliable stream of orders for small, beginning, and underserved farmers, ranchers, and fishers. (Source: S. 2338)
  • According to the National Farmers Union, the bill would support family farmers and their communities, providing them with the financial security to invest and further expand. (Source: National Farmers Union)
  • The proposal would strengthen our domestic agricultural supply chain by investing in local food distribution, helping to build local businesses that support durable and resilient local food systems. (Source: S. 2338)
  • The bill aims to provide fresh, nutritious, local food to communities and schools, feeding more families and helping ease the strain on food banks. (Source: S. 2338)

Sources:

  • S. 2338 - Strengthening Local Food Security Act (text provided)
  • Senator Jim Justice (R-WV)
  • Senator Jack Reed (D-RI)
  • National Farmers Union
  • Farm Credit
  • NASDA
  • National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition