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Food banks ask Senate to add $5M to buy Louisiana produce for families facing hunger
Summary
Second Harvest and other regional food banks told the Senate Finance Committee they need a $5 million appropriation to purchase fresh Louisiana produce and proteins directly from farmers, citing recent USDA funding cuts and rising need with no administrative overhead requested.
Representatives of Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and other regional food banks told the Senate Finance Committee they are facing rising demand and reduced USDA support and requested a $5,000,000 appropriation in HB 1 to buy fresh produce and proteins directly from Louisiana farmers for distribution to food‑insecure households.
John Sillers, chief strategy officer for Second Harvest, said the requested funds would be used entirely to purchase food ("no admin, no overhead") and argued the appropriation would both feed families and support local agriculture. Farmer witnesses described longstanding relationships with food banks and said direct purchases help avoid field losses and get fresh produce quickly into communities.
Food‑bank leaders noted recent USDA cuts reduced available food and that a supplemental appropriation in the House addressed some prior gaps; they requested the Senate consider adding the $5,000,000 to HB 1 to shore up supply and sustain local farmers’ markets that supply food banks.
Committee members indicated they would review the request alongside other supplemental and HB 1 items as budget negotiations continue.
