By Blake Jackson
Missouri farmers are feeling the impact of a major policy change that halted federal funding supporting the sale of locally grown produce to schools and communities.
The Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) and Local Food for Schools (LFS) programs, initiated during the Biden administration, offered incentives to states for buying fresh produce from nearby farms.
These programs were created in response to the supply chain issues exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. They helped farmers find consistent buyers, guaranteed fair pricing, and supported community food access.
Farmers and food hubs, like the Kansas City Food Hub, adjusted their operations to meet growing demand.
However, with recent cuts under the Trump administration, approximately $660 million in remaining funds have been cancelled. This decision leaves producers uncertain about who will buy their crops in the upcoming growing season.
“We really figured out how to get local farm product into community spaces under LFS and LFPA,” said Thomas Smith, chief business officer at the Kansas City Food Hub. “We were making our whole organization around meeting those new needs, because we believe in the government’s promise that they believe in local food.”
The USDA had already distributed over $900 million through these programs, enabling smoother coordination between farmers, schools, and state education departments.
Now, without that continued support, many worry these relationships will be difficult to maintain. With trade issues and tariffs also on the horizon, local farmers must again adapt to an uncertain market environment.
The Kansas City Food Hub’s efforts had created a strong framework for connecting local food producers with school systems. While the loss of funding is a setback, the partnerships built during the program may help farmers navigate the challenges ahead.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-livingimages
Categories: Missouri, Business, Government & Policy