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Food supply

Trump Administration's Cuts to Federal Funding Leave Small Illinois Farmers and Food-Insecure Residents in Peril

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The recent cuts to federal funding by the Trump administration, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, have severely impacted a promising program that supported small Illinois farmers and food-insecure residents. The Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA) aimed to expand the food supply chain for local farmers, create new market opportunities, and provide fresh and healthy food options to food-insecure communities at no cost. However, the program was abruptly ended halfway through the food distribution, leaving farmers and nonprofits to foot the bill.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA) was a joint federal department initiative that included the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, led by RFK Jr., and provided $43 million in federal funds to buy food from Illinois farmers and ranchers.
  • The program aimed to expand the food supply chain for local farmers, create new market opportunities, and provide fresh and healthy food options to food-insecure communities at no cost.
  • The LFPA was abruptly ended halfway through the food distribution, leaving farmers and nonprofits with $17.8 million in federal funds still outstanding.
  • Farmers such as Rachael and Jesse Smedberg, who expanded their operation to meet the demand of the program, are now facing financial difficulties due to the cuts.
  • Sheila Kennedy, founder of Top Box Foods, believes the cuts undermine RFK Jr. and the administration's larger efforts to make America more healthy and improve health outcomes.

Statistics:

  • $43 million: The amount of federal funds allocated to the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA).
  • $17.8 million: The amount of federal funds still outstanding after the program was abruptly ended.
  • 7,000 to 14,000: The increase in the number of chicken produced by one farmer as a result of the LFPA.
  • $1 billion: The amount of grants that the LFPA was helping to fund, which was intended to support local farmers in providing fresh produce to schools, food banks, and other food programs.

Sources:

  • Crain's (2025, Copyright 2025 Crain Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
  • Sheila Kennedy, interview with Crain's
  • Connor Deloach, executive director of Top Box Foods, interview with Crain's
  • Rachael Smedberg, first-generation farmer, interview with Crain's
  • Jesse Smedberg, husband of Rachael Smedberg, interview with Crain's
  • Gov. JB Pritzker, statement to the press on March 4 regarding the federal funding cuts.

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