Ep. 388
Louisiana farmers are facing significant challenges due to the recent termination of two USDA programs, Local Food for Schools and Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement, which facilitated purchases by food banks and schools. These cuts have disrupted established partnerships, leaving farmers like John and Betty Chenier uncertain about their future operations and forcing some, like Chip Perrin, to reduce staff. Food banks, such as Second Harvest, relied heavily on these programs to combat food insecurity, and their elimination is expected to increase hardship, particularly in rural areas. The loss of these federal initiatives removes a crucial revenue stream for local agriculture and a vital source of fresh food for vulnerable populations in Louisiana.