Local Food Program Left Out of Wisconsin State Budget

By Blake Jackson

The Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) has expressed disappointment following the Joint Finance Committee’s (JFC) decision on Friday to exclude the Wisconsin Local Food Purchase Assistance (WI LFPA) program from the 2025-2027 biennial state budget.

“The removal of WI LFPA from the final motion in review of DATCP’s Agricultural Assistance budget last Friday is a missed opportunity to invest in a program that has delivered real benefits to farmers and communities across Wisconsin,” WFU President Darin Von Ruden said.

“This bipartisan initiative connects local producers with food access organizations, strengthens our state’s food system, and supports our agricultural economy.”

WFU led a statewide campaign advocating for WI LFPA, with supporters speaking at the Joint Finance Committee hearings in April.

Over 1,258 letters were sent to legislators from all political backgrounds and across the state, including 421 to the Governor’s office and others to representatives in 31 of 33 Senate districts and 76 of 99 Assembly districts.

The outreach showed support across rural and urban areas, with 490 letters sent to Republican lawmakers and 347 to Democrats.

By the end of August, all federal funds allocated to Wisconsin through the Local Food Purchase Assistance program will have been used to build strong connections between farmers and food access groups, delivering fresh, local food to those in need.

The WI LFPA program has been a significant success, with notable achievements in 2023 and 2024 including:

• Participation of 283 producers
• Service to 72 counties
• Distribution of 261 product types
• Delivery to 254 food access partners
• Over $4.23 million worth of food delivered

“Farmers and community members, rural and urban alike, are united in their support for this program,” WFU Government Relations Director Michelle Ramriez-White said.

“We urge state legislators to listen to their constituents and use their power as elected representatives to restore WI LFPA funding. We urge constituents to call their legislators and continue making their voices heard in support of funding for WI LFPA.”

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