Bresnahan, Riley push for local food on local tables

WASHINGTON, DC — On July 29, Rep. Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) led a bipartisan group of his colleagues, including NY-19 Rep. Josh Riley, in introducing the Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act, meant to boost the purchasing and distribution of local food. According to Bresnahan's office, the bill will help build stronger connections between local producers, and community food programs, expanding markets and improving access to healthy food for those in need.

“Far too often the discussion around alleviating hunger leaves out those who grow, raise, and produce food - our local farmers. Reducing the barriers between our communities and the farmers who produce our food is a commonsense approach to ensure everyone in Northeast Pennsylvania has access to the food they need.” said Rep. Bresnahan. “This bill recognizes the hard work that is needed to supply fresh and nutritious food like fruit, veggies, milk, and cheese, while also creating a clear path to putting this food on the plates of people who need it. This investment in our local farmers is an investment in stronger local food security and healthier communities.”

 Rep. Bresnahan was joined by Representatives David Valadao (CA-22), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), and Josh Riley (NY-19), as well as Representatives Tony Wied (WI-08), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Zach Nunn (IA-03), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Jim Costa (CA-21), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), and Alma Adams (NC-12).

 The Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act will allow states, through USDA, to establish cooperative agreements connecting local farmers and producers with local food distribution organizations. Through these agreements, funds will be used to purchase local, fresh, and minimally processed foods like seafood, meat, milk, cheese, eggs, fruit, and poultry. The bill also sets aside a portion of these funds to purchase food specifically from small, mid-size, beginning, and veteran farmers.