WASHINGTON (WVDN) – In an effort to strengthen the nation’s food supply chain network, bolster economic opportunities for local farmers and food producers, and increase access to local nutritious food in communities and schools, Senator Jim Justice (R-WV) and Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) introduced the Strengthening Local Food Security Act (S. 2338):
“In West Virginia, we know the value of hard work and locally grown food. The Strengthening Local Food Security Act helps our farmers and ranchers get more of their local food onto more tables. It puts money back into our communities and keeps people fed. That’s a win-win all around. I look forward to working to get this done for our local producers, food banks, and schools,” said Senator Jim Justice.
“Food prices are up and food banks are experiencing rising demand. We’ve got to feed those in need. The Strengthening Local Food Security Act makes family farmers and fishermen part of the solution, putting fresh, healthy food on the table in a cost-effective manner that strengthens the local economy too,” said Senator Jack Reed. “This bill will feed students and families and plant seeds of economic development for farmers, fishermen, and others throughout the nation’s food supply chain.”
Supporting Organizations:
“This legislation is a win-win for our communities and our farmers. By investing in our local food systems, we’re providing fresh food to our communities, expanding economic opportunities and building more resilient farms and supply chains. We deeply appreciate the outstanding leadership from Senators Justice and Reed in championing this legislation. Their dedication to strengthening our food systems and supporting family farmers across the country will make a meaningful impact,” said National Farmers Union President Rob Larew.
“Farm Credit applauds Senators Reed and Justice for their leadership in introducing the Strengthening Local Food Security Act of 2025. This bill is a strategic investment in American agriculture—supporting farmers, strengthening supply chains, and helping schools and communities access locally produced food. This bill will help boost regional economies and improve food security across the country,” said Christy Seyfert, President and CEO, Farm Credit Council.
“NASDA applauds Senators Jim Justice (W.V.) and Jack Reed (R.I.) for introducing the bipartisan Strengthening Local Food Security Act. This critical legislation would codify flexible food purchase programs at the local and regional level, allowing for small and medium-sized farms to access local markets, strengthening supply chain resiliency and advancing the development of regional food systems. Farmers are part of the solution to improve nutrition security and expand access to healthy, locally grown food in communities nationwide. NASDA supports this legislation and will advocate for its quick adoption in the Senate,” said NASDA CEO Ted McKinney.
“This legislation is the investment we need in American family farmers and their communities. We greatly appreciate Senators Justice and Reed for their leadership in delivering healthy, local food while generating new market opportunities for producers. This bill will strengthen local and state food systems that combat food insecurity and provide healthy meals for students,” said Hannah Quigley, Policy Specialist with the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition.
BACKGROUND:
- This bill would create a permanent grant program for state and tribal governments to procure local foods from local and regional producers for distribution to nearby hunger relief programs and schools.
- The bipartisan proposal would leverage government procurement and purchasing power to increase access to locally-sourced, fresh, healthy, and nutritious food in underserved communities and schools and, in turn, help family farmers, fishermen, and local food producers grow their markets. This grant program would:
- Support local economic development by creating new access to the hunger relief market for local farmers and fishermen, creating a new, reliable stream of orders for small, beginning, and underserved farmers, ranchers, and fishers, giving these businesses the financial security to invest and further expand.
- Strengthen our domestic agricultural supply chain by investing in local food distribution. The bill would help build local businesses that support durable and resilient local food systems.
- Supporting food security by providing fresh, nutritious, local food to communities and schools, feeding more families and helping ease the strain on food banks.
- Read the bill text here.
