Congress·In Committee·S. 2338

Sen. Reed and Sen. Justice Push $400 Million Plan to Buy Local Food for Schools and Food Banks

Strengthening Local Food Security Act of 2025

8 months ago·View on Congress.gov·Read full text

Legislative Progress

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Key Points

This bill creates a permanent federal program that would spend $200 million per year from the Commodity Credit Corporation, plus authorizes another $200 million in annual appropriations through 2029, to buy food from local farmers and distribute it to food banks, schools, and childcare centers.
From policy text
“Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2025 and each fiscal year thereafter.”
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Food purchased under the program must come from producers within the same state or no more than 400 miles from where it will be delivered, keeping the supply chain local and regional.
From policy text
“only purchase food-- ``(i) from fishermen, farmers, producers, and processors that are-- ``(I) within the geographic boundaries of the eligible unit of government in which the food will be delivered; or ``(II) not more than 400 miles from the delivery destination of the food”
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At least 51% of the food purchased must come from small, mid-sized, beginning, veteran, or underserved farmers, fishers, and ranchers — giving these producers a guaranteed market for their goods.
From policy text
“ensure that not less than 51 percent of the total annual value of products purchased by the eligible unit of government and any subawardees comprises purchases from covered producers”
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Funding goes to states and Tribal governments automatically using a formula, not through competitive grants. Ten percent of total funding is set aside specifically for Tribal governments.
From policy text
“allocate 10 percent to Tribal governments, to be allocated using a funding formula determined by the Secretary”
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The program prioritizes distributing food to underserved communities — areas with limited access to affordable healthy food and high rates of hunger, food insecurity, or poverty.
From policy text
“give priority to distributing food to underserved communities”
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States can use up to 25% of their allocation for administration and technical assistance, including helping small farmers get food safety training and certifications needed to participate.
From policy text
“use not more than 25 percent of the amount allocated to the eligible unit of government for Program administration and technical assistance, which may include support for-- ``(i) participating producers; ``(ii) efforts to grow the local agricultural value chain; and ``(iii) covered producers in obtaining food safety training and certifications.”
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Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Who is affectedScoreImpactCertaintyScopeDurationSentiment

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions

Jul 17, 2025Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S4458)

Jul 17, 2025

Introduced in Senate

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

1 year after funding is allocated

States must submit spending plans or lose their allocations

Any state that doesn't submit a plan within one year of getting its allocation will have that money redirected to other states that are ready to spend it.

Related News

4 articles

Barn Raiser·5 months ago

Rural Schools Struggle to Rebuild Fresh Food Programs Cut by Trump

Two bills introduced to Congress—the Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act and the Strengthening Local Food Security Act—propose making local food procurement programs permanent with a yearly budget of $200 million each to support small-scale and veteran farmers.

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Brownfield Ag News·about 2 months ago

Local food funding could return under proposed federal legislation

The Strengthening Local Food Security Act and the Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act aim to resurrect programs that provide federal funding for states to purchase food from local farmers for underserved communities, building market resilience and supporting the rural economy.

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WVIA News·7 months ago

Bresnahan touts food aid bill at Brace's Orchard in Luzerne County

Rep. Rob Bresnahan promoted the Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act, a companion to the Senate's Strengthening Local Food Security Act, which would authorize $200 million annually to connect food banks with local farmers and prioritize small agricultural businesses.

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