By Blake Jackson
United States Senators Jim Justice (R-WV) and Jack Reed (D-RI) have introduced a bipartisan bill titled the Strengthening Local Food Security Act of 2025.
This proposed legislation would support USDA cooperative agreements aimed at purchasing food from local producers and distributing it to hunger relief organizations and schools that participate in meal programs.
“The introduction of this bill is incredibly exciting and, if passed, would be a major win for family farmers nationally and in our state,” Wisconsin Farmers Union Government Relations Director Michelle Ramirez-White said. “This year WFU members have participated in impactful advocacy
work and have displayed unwavering support for local food procurement funding. I know that made a difference.”
WFU has actively championed local food procurement at the state level, launching an action campaign that involved advocates speaking at Joint Finance Committee hearings in April. Additionally, constituents sent a total of 1,258 letters to state lawmakers, including 421 to the Governor’s office.
Letters reached 31 out of 33 Senate districts and 76 of 99 Assembly districts, with Republican legislators receiving 490 letters and Democrats receiving 347 demonstrating strong bipartisan grassroots support from communities across Wisconsin.
“Programs that work with local farms to get fresh local food into these organizations are a best case scenario for everyone involved,” WFU member and owner of Sullivan Family Farm in Manitowoc, Ryan Sullivan said. “I know it matches the mission and purpose of our veteran-owned farm. We love this idea and it’s a win-win.”
Nationally, the National Farmers Union (NFU) has also been advocating for legislation to bolster local food procurement. During NFU’s Week of Action in May, several state divisions, including Wisconsin’s, pushed members of Congress to support similar legislation.
WFU plans to continue encouraging Wisconsin lawmakers to back the Strengthening Local Food Security Act of 2025, which prioritizes local farms and community well-being.
Photo Credit: istock-elenathewise
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy