MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Trump administration and the United States Department of Agriculture are pulling the plug on two programs meant to provide fresh farm produce and meat to food pantries and schools, both programs totaling $1 billion.
The Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA) and the Local Food for Schools program (LFS) started as a result of the pandemic under the Biden administration.
Manitowoc farmer Ryan Sullivan is preparing his plants for the new growing season, but before the USDA ended the LFPA program, a lot of his produce went straight to a local food pantry, giving his small farm an economic boost.
“I was disappointed to hear that it got canceled. In 2023 and 2024, the contract accounted for about a quarter of our business, so we were looking forward to providing into it,” Sullivan said.
Through LFPA, farms were paid to provide fresh produce and meat to local food pantries.
In 2023, the Sullivan Family Farm had a $15,000 contract. In 2024, it was a $20,000 contract. Food was delivered to pantries within 24 hours of being harvested.
“We want to be involved in our community. I want to bring the fresh nutrient dense vegetables or products into the community and that was really a best case scenario to be able to do that,” Sullivan said.
To make up for the loss of funds, Sullivan plans to increase their marketing efforts, which he said grew exponentially from the help of LFPA. According to the Wisconsin Farmers Union, 289 Wisconsin farms and 254 pantries participated in the program, providing $4.2 million worth of food.
Lakeshore Community Pantry in Kewaunee is disappointed to see the USDA food program disappear. They say the free fresh produce made a big difference in cost.
Lakeshore Community Pantry will now have to spend about an extra $1,000 per month to make up for the loss. They serve between 60 and 80 families per week.
“We’re well-supported by the community, but it’s just less money we’ll have to provide food for the people,” Lakeshore Community Pantry Treasurer Dan Balch said.
Balch said he was looking forward to participating in the program again in 2025. Instead, they’ll have to buy the produce from area grocers.
“I’m not sure the recipients were really aware of where the food was coming from, but they just knew it was great, fresh vegetables and meat, and they appreciated that greatly,” Balch said.
In a statement, the USDA said:
“As a pandemic-era program, LFPA will now be sunsetted at the end of the performance period, marking a return to long-term, fiscally responsible initiatives. This isn’t an abrupt shift—just last week, USDA released over half a billion in previously obligated funds for LFPA and LFS to fulfill existing commitments and support ongoing local food purchases.
“With 16 robust nutrition programs in place, USDA remains focused on its core mission: strengthening food security, supporting agricultural markets, and ensuring access to nutritious food. Unlike the Biden Administration, which funneled billions in CCC funds into short-term programs with no plan for longevity, USDA is prioritizing stable, proven solutions that deliver lasting impact. The COVID era is over—USDA’s approach to nutrition programs will reflect that reality moving forward.”
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