Members press to restore local food-for-schools funding after USDA cancellation

Several members urged the committee to restore funding for the Local Food for Schools cooperative agreement after USDA canceled a $660 million program the prior year. Rep. Tokuda said the program created guaranteed markets for farmers, helped schools buy fresh local produce and bolstered rural economies. “American farmers should be the ones feeding American kids,” Tokuda said.

Supporters argued the program connected producers and school districts, increased procurement of local fruits and vegetables, and helped nutrition goals. Multiple members from high‑agriculture districts described contracts lost when USDA paused the program and urged Congress to restore funding in statute.

The chair noted related state‑led procurement language already in the bill and highlighted budget constraints; the parliamentarian and staff flagged funding and jurisdiction questions. The chair recommended continuing work with the education‑workforce committee and said the underlying bill does authorize a state‑led procurement option, but the proposed $660 million annual mandatory funding could not be included within current budget limits. Members requested recorded votes on the amendment after a negative voice ruling.

Supporters pledged to keep working to find a budget path to stabilize local procurement that benefits school nutrition and farmers, noting broad bipartisan and gubernatorial interest.