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Food supply

Strengthening Local Food Security Act Aims to Boost Rural Economies and Combat Food Insecurity

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

US Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Jim Justice (R-WV) have introduced the Strengthening Local Food Security Act (S. 2338), a bipartisan proposal aiming to strengthen the nation's food supply chain network, bolster economic opportunities for local farmers and food producers, and increase access to fresh, local nutritious food in underserved communities and schools. The bill creates a permanent grant program for state and tribal governments to procure local foods for distribution to nearby hunger relief programs and schools.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Strengthening Local Food Security Act creates a permanent grant program for state and tribal governments to procure local foods 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 strengthen the domestic agriculture supply chain by investing in local food distribution and help build local businesses that support durable and resilient local food systems.
  • The proposal aims to combat food insecurity by providing fresh, nutritious, local food to underserved communities and schools, feeding more families and helping ease the strain on the hunger relief system.
  • The bill is supported by a wide range of farmers, food hubs, coalitions, and business networks from across the country, including the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, National Farmers Union, and the Farm Credit Council.
  • In Rhode Island, the bill is supported by several leading organizations, including the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, Farm Fresh Rhode Island, and the Rhode Island Food Policy Council.

Statistics:

  • Over 40 percent of people in Rhode Island do not have enough to eat.
  • The grant program would provide a new, reliable stream of orders for small, beginning, and underserved farmers, ranchers, and fishers.

Sources:

  • The following information was released by Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed.
  • Source: Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed.
  • S. 2338, Strengthening Local Food Security Act (2025).
  • National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition.
  • National Farmers Union.
  • National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.
  • Farm Credit Council.
  • Rhode Island Community Food Bank.
  • Farm Fresh Rhode Island.
  • Rhode Island Food Policy Council.

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