A program that connects millions of Californians in need with locally-grown food is set to run out of funding in July unless state or federal leaders move to save it.
The Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, known in California as Farms Together, pays farmers fair market prices to supply fresh foods directly to local food banks. Since the program launched in January 2024, it has supported 800 farms statewide and fed more than 2 million Californians.
It’s estimated that LFPA has brought more than $88 million to the California economy, supporting small and mid-size farmers.
“At a time of rising food costs and shrinking farm margins, Farms Together has been a lifeline,” said Paul Towers, executive director of Community Alliance with Family Farmers, a partner organization of Farms Together, in a statement.
Last spring, federal cuts eliminated more than $48 million in funding set to sustain the program through 2027.
Over 500 farms have lost funding in the past five months, resulting in an estimated 5.4 million fewer meals in the state.
“With each passing month, farmers lose the ability to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to hungry families—not because the program doesn’t work, but because federal funding was cut,” Towers said.
Cuts to the program have affected small-scale farmers in Monterey County, like Cesla Ortega, who operates Induchucuiti Organic Farms in Salinas. Ortega’s contract with the program ended last month.
“Thanks to the program, my business was able to strengthen itself by purchasing machinery, paying salaries to my employees and transitioning to new land. It also allowed me to earn a salary,” Ortega said.
Towers said it’s now on state leaders to act to save the program before the federal cuts force it to shutter completely.
“California has an opportunity to step up and strengthen the local food communities that are already fighting food insecurity every day,” said Towers. “If the federal government won’t fund programs that support farmers and feed families, California can and should lead.”
Chris Hamilton is a California Local News fellow covering Salinas and the Salinas Valley for The Herald.