Committee asks Congress and USDA to reinstate local food purchase funds

The Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development Committee approved two resolutions urging Congress and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to reinstate federal funding for programs that help food banks and schools buy locally produced food. Chairman Romero said the funding amounts "about $12,000,000" for Second Harvest Food Bank and other food banks and noted the funds allow purchases of local products, including grass‑fed beef.

The first measure, ACR 51, asks Congress and the USDA to reinstate funds for the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program, which the chair said supports food banks’ ability to buy local agricultural products. The second, Senate Concurrent Resolution 20, authored by Senators McMath and Boudreaux, asks Congress and USDA to restore funding for the Local Food for Schools program, which directs local agricultural products to school feeding programs.

Both items were moved and adopted as favorable by voice vote with no recorded roll-call tally. For ACR 51 the chair moved the measure favorable and the motion carried; for Senate Concurrent Resolution 20 Representative Bridal moved the measure favorable and, hearing no objections, the measure moved favorable. The committee took no additional formal actions or directives beyond adopting the two favorable recommendations.

Committee members noted the measures are requests to federal authorities; actual reinstatement of funding depends on action by Congress and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The committee recorded 10 members present at roll call and said the two items would be handled quickly so members could attend other meetings.

The committee adjourned after the two items and a brief scheduling announcement about the next meeting's supper.