Governor Gavin Newsom has taken action against the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s recent decision to cut funding for California’s Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Program. This program, which started in 2021, has been crucial for feeding millions of families and supporting small farmers across the state.
In a statement released on Saturday, Newsom described the USDA’s move as "irrational and malicious," emphasizing that it would hurt both farmers and families relying on food banks. The California Department of Social Services also condemned the USDA’s decision, calling it “unlawful” and urging for its reversal.
The LFPA program was designed to help diversify food supply chains, especially after the disruptions caused by the pandemic. Since its inception, California has received $88.5 million in funding, which it uses to purchase food from local farmers, particularly those who are socially disadvantaged. The state was expecting an additional $47 million this year to continue these efforts.
However, in March, the USDA announced the termination of the program, leaving many farmers uncertain about their future. Becky Silva, director of government relations for the California Association of Food Banks, noted that the funding freeze came at a critical time, as farmers were in the midst of planting crops specifically for the program.
Farmers like Ken Vang from Fresno expressed their concerns, stating that the program provided guaranteed income, and without it, they are unsure where their crops will go. Similarly, Mariela Buenrostro of Raul & Family Farms highlighted the devastating impact of losing this income on her family’s farming future.
The cuts to the LFPA program come amid rising food insecurity in California. Recent statistics show that over a quarter of families with children were struggling to afford food as of September. Food banks are experiencing unprecedented demand, with some reporting a 150% increase in clients.
As the USDA’s decision looms, the California government is pushing back, hoping to restore the funding that is critical for both farmers and families in need. The appeal underscores the growing concern over food access and support for local agriculture in the face of federal budget cuts.