Locally grown food is one of the most powerful tools we have to fight hunger. That is exactly why LFPA (Local Food Purchase Assistance) funding matters.
Tony Eldridge of Eldridge Farms knows that well. Tony, along with his wife Denese, has been farming in Middle Tennessee for decades. Their farm is part of Second Harvest Food Bank’s Farm to Families Program. This program delivers produce from local farms to families who need it most.
When the Eldridge’s began growing produce, they donated what they could to give back. Tony shares, “I inherited my interest in farming from my father and my grandfather. Growing up, I watched them use agriculture to provide for their families and their neighbors. I knew then that was the life for me.” However, things are tight for farmers, and they can only donate so much.
Partnering with Second Harvest gave them the chance to do even more. At the same time, they could earn a fair price for their crops.
As of right now, Second Harvest does not receive federal funding from LFPA. Instead, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture makes the Farm to Families Program possible. Through this program, Second Harvest purchases farm fresh food from local growers. We then distribute this food directly to our partners.
Farm to Families provides nutritious foods to our neighbors. It also showcases regional producers and strengthens our local economy.
“We want to be a conduit,” says Tony, “to provide wholesome, nutritious, locally grown vegetables to individuals who may not have access otherwise. Fresh tastes better, and it’s better for you.”
This funding will run out soon, though. And, when it does, we hoped LFPA25 would have allowed us to continue the purchase of farm fresh food from local growers.
Second Harvest has recently learned the USDA has canceled LFPA25 funding. That means the loss of $3,000,000 in funding for Second Harvest.
Here is why LFPA funding matters.
With those dollars, Second Harvest could have continued buying food from farmers. We could have continued to deliver it to families facing hunger in Middle and West Tennessee.
Second Harvest remains committed to supporting local growers and providing fresh food to our neighbors. Now that the USDA has canceled LFPA25, we need your help.
Give today to provide fresh food to those in need.