The Strengthening Local Food Security Act of 2025 would fund USDA cooperative agreements to purchase food from local producers and to distribute that food to hunger relief organizations and schools participating in school 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,” says Wisconsin Farmers Union Government Relations Director Michelle Ramirez-White. “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.”
At the state level, WFU mobilized an action campaign in support of local food procurement funding, with advocates speaking up at the Joint Finance Committee hearings in April. Constituents also sent 1,258 letters to legislators across the political spectrum and in every corner of the state. This broad-based outreach made it clear that, from rural towns to urban neighborhoods, local food programs benefit communities all across Wisconsin.
“Programs that work with local farms to get fresh local food into these organizations are a best-case scenario for everyone involved,” says Ryan Sullivan of Sullivan Family Farm in Manitowoc. “I know it matches the mission and purpose of our veteran-owned farm. We love this idea and it’s a win-win.”
Over the past few months, the National Farmers Union has been working to secure legislative support to advance funding for local food procurement programs. In May, during NFU’s Week of Action, many Farmers Union state divisions, including Wisconsin, urged their members of Congress to sponsor legislation on this issue.
