WASHINGTON, D.C. (LOOTPRESS) — In a bipartisan effort to boost local agriculture, strengthen food supply chains, and combat food insecurity, U.S. Senators Jim Justice (R-WV) and Jack Reed (D-RI) have introduced the Strengthening Local Food Security Act (S. 2338). The legislation aims to expand access to locally grown, nutritious food in schools and communities while supporting family farmers, fishermen, and food producers across the nation.
“In West Virginia, we know the value of hard work and locally grown food,” said Senator Jim Justice. “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.”
Senator Reed echoed the urgency of addressing food insecurity, especially as food prices and demand at food banks continue to climb.
“We’ve got to feed those in need,” Reed said. “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.”
A Community-Driven Solution
The Strengthening Local Food Security Act would create a permanent grant program for state and tribal governments to purchase local foods from regional producers and distribute them to hunger relief organizations and schools. The proposal uses the power of government procurement to:
- Feed more families by connecting hunger relief programs and schools with fresh, healthy, locally sourced food.
- Support small and mid-sized producers by offering reliable revenue streams that help stabilize and grow their operations.
- Build resilient food systems by investing in local businesses and infrastructure that keep food supply chains closer to home.
Strong Support from Agriculture and Food Leaders
The legislation is earning praise from key players in agriculture and food policy:
- Rob Larew, President of the National Farmers Union, called it “a win-win for our communities and our farmers,” emphasizing the bill’s role in strengthening food systems and boosting economic opportunities.
- Christy Seyfert, CEO of the Farm Credit Council, said the bill is a “strategic investment” that will “boost regional economies and improve food security across the country.”
- Ted McKinney, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), highlighted the bill’s importance for small and medium-sized farms, saying it would “advance the development of regional food systems.”
- Hannah Quigley, Policy Specialist with the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, praised the bill for delivering “healthy, local food while generating new market opportunities for producers.”
A Step Toward Resilient, Localized Food Networks
If passed, the bill will enhance food security by helping schools and food banks serve fresh, nutritious meals while giving small producers greater access to stable markets. It also aims to strengthen local economies, particularly in underserved areas, through reliable contracts and investments in food infrastructure.
The Strengthening Local Food Security Act of 2025 is now under consideration in the U.S. Senate. Supporters are hopeful for swift bipartisan passage to address growing concerns over food access, supply chain fragility, and the future of local agriculture.
