Congress Weighs Permanent Local Food Purchase Program in Farm Bill

Senators introduced a bill that would create a permanent grant program allowing state and tribal governments to purchase local food for schools and hunger-relief organizations. The measure combines elements of two temporary programs that the Agriculture Department ended in March 2025 after determining they no longer aligned with agency goals.

The programs had provided more than $1 billion in funding since the pandemic. They enabled tribal governments to buy culturally significant foods such as bison, berries, and wild rice directly from nearby producers for distribution to members.

Both the Senate proposal and the House version passed in April would set aside 10 percent of program funds for tribes. The Senate bill includes mandatory funding, which supporters say would let farmers plan purchases and staffing with greater certainty.

The House version requires annual congressional appropriations. A policy specialist with the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition said mandatory funding is needed because optional programs receive little support in current budget conditions.

A Rhode Island farm that grows Narragansett heritage crops supplied food to a Connecticut tribal program using the earlier federal funds. The operators said they want dedicated access for Indigenous producers outside tribal-government channels. One operator noted that federal programs often begin with strong initial support but are later reduced.

The farm also uses high tunnels to extend the growing season and is working to protect surrounding land for foraging and native-plant restoration. The Senate bill is intended for inclusion in the larger Farm Bill that governs agricultural and nutrition programs.

A Senate committee released its draft in late June.