Federal cuts could shutter California's farm to food bank program

"The Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, known in California as Farms Together, pays farmers fair market prices to supply fresh foods directly to local food banks. Since the program launched in January 2024, it has supported 800 farms statewide and fed more than 2 million Californians. It's estimated that LFPA has brought more than $88 million to the California economy, supporting small and mid-size farmers."

"Last spring, federal cuts eliminated more than $48 million in funding set to sustain the program through 2027. Over 500 farms have lost funding in the past five months, resulting in an estimated 5.4 million fewer meals in the state. With each passing month, farmers lose the ability to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to hungry familiesnot because the program doesn't work, but because federal funding was cut, Towers said."

"Cuts to the program have affected small-scale farmers in Monterey County, like Cesla Ortega, who operates Induchucuiti Organic Farms in Salinas. Ortega's contract with the program ended last month. Thanks to the program, my business was able to strengthen itself by purchasing machinery, paying salaries to my employees and transitioning to new land. It also allowed me to earn a salary, Ortega said."

Farms Together connects Californians in need with locally-grown food by paying farmers fair market prices to supply fresh foods directly to local food banks. Since January 2024 the program supported 800 farms statewide, fed more than 2 million Californians, and brought over $88 million to the California economy, bolstering small and mid-size farms. Federal cuts last spring eliminated more than $48 million set to sustain the program through 2027, causing over 500 farms to lose funding and an estimated 5.4 million fewer meals. Several small-scale farmers lost contracts and income. The program will run out of funding in July unless state or federal leaders provide new support.

Read at www.montereyherald.com