MANITOWOC, Wis. (WFRV) – Funding cuts to key programs supporting school lunch initiatives and food banks are having a significant impact on farmers throughout Wisconsin.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced reductions to two critical programs: the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Cooperative Agreement Program and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program.
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These programs had provided essential funding to help schools and food banks purchase food from local farmers, thereby strengthening the state’s food supply chain and supporting local agriculture.
Ryan Sullivan, a representative of Sullivan Family Farm in Manitowoc, emphasized the far-reaching consequences of these funding cuts. “The Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFP) had been running for the past two years, starting in 2023. We were fortunate to receive a contract in the first year,” Sullivan explained.
The program allowed Sullivan’s farm, alongside other small farms, to supply fresh food to local communities and qualified food pantries, an essential resource for many families facing food insecurity.
For Sullivan Family Farm, the funding from these programs was a lifeline. In both 2023 and 2024, the contract represented about a quarter of the farm’s business, allowing them to provide nutritious produce to those in need.
However, Sullivan acknowledged the pressing challenges ahead. “Our priority now is figuring out how we continue to get these products into the food pantry. It’s disheartening to think about the loss for so many people who relied on this program,” he said.
Despite the setbacks, Sullivan remains committed to finding ways to continue serving his community. “If this program isn’t funded, it’s disappointing, but the food pantries still exist, and there are still customers who need our products. We just need to be creative and adaptable to ensure that we keep making this happen.”
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The impact of these cuts extends beyond just Sullivan’s farm. Many small and medium-sized farms across the state relied on these programs to maintain their operations while serving vulnerable populations.
As farmers and food banks work to navigate the changes, the need for alternative solutions and continued support for local agriculture remains urgent.
