Each spring, Kat Becker is active on her Wisconsin farm, distributing radishes and planning for the vegetable harvest season. However, since President Trump’s funding cuts to a program linking local farmers with food pantries, she and others have also taken on advocacy roles.
In March, the Trump administration cut funding for the Wisconsin Local Food Purchase Assistance Program. This initiative, started in 2021, aimed to support local farmers and combat hunger, managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture with partners including the Wisconsin Farmers Union and Marbleseed.
Farmers and community leaders praised the program for providing stable farmer income and supplying fresh, local produce to those in need, while working towards ending food deserts in Wisconsin. The funding cut leaves some struggling to adjust.
“Momentum around this program is important to continue as it was already planned out,” Becker shared with the Wisconsin Independent.
Terry Parisi, running a small farm in Stoughton, raises cattle and grows vegetables. After her husband passed, she and her son Franco manage the farm, supplementing farm income with other jobs.
Last year, Parisi received a $10,000 LFPA program grant for her grass-fed beef, which eased her marketing efforts, ensuring half her herd was sold pre-season. “Knowing $10,000 of beef was sold upfront was relieving,” Parisi stated to the Wisconsin Independent.
Parisi valued the program for enabling community connections while promoting organic food, which can be costly. “Connecting with programs that reach our target community was beneficial,” she added.
This year, Parisi couldn’t purchase as many cattle, choosing to cultivate sweet potatoes for food pantries instead. She increased her sweet potato slips order but had to cancel after learning of the program’s end.
In Viola, Rufus Haucke prepared to plant crops as in 2024 for the LFPA program. His farm, Keewaydin Farms, received a $20,000 grant last year, aiding growth. Haucke foresaw the cut post-Trump’s reelection and sought alternatives.
“We’re still planting similar crops, but market uncertainty persists,” Haucke mentioned during an asparagus harvest phone interview with the Wisconsin Independent.
Becker intended to hire more staff but reconsidered due to unpredictability. Other farms planned infrastructure projects with their grant. Becker expressed that volatile federal policy makes business management challenging.
LFPA provided stable farmer income and supported rural communities often lacking fresh food access. The program aimed to bolster local farmer-food bank partnerships, enhancing community relationships.
Haucke was set to distribute in southwest Wisconsin and anticipated $50,000 from the program, around a quarter of his 2024 sales. Without distribution trucks, small farms face closure risks.
“This program significantly shifted food pantry preparation and economically benefited small farms,” Haucke said. “Every penny spent locally is vital.”
Juneau County, ranked third in Wisconsin food insecurity, received $180,000 last year through an LFPA grant, purchasing food from 13 local farms for resident distribution via markets and meal delivery services.
Over 70% of food recipients were older than 50, with some events attracting over 100 families. These options offered stigma-free, fresh food access beyond typical nonperishables.
“Without this option, families are impacted,” Ladd said, adding testimonials showed the program helped stretch budgets and improve meal quality.
Farmers and advocates now seek alternative funding. Becker is pushing for state or local support, recently advocating in Washington, while Haucke contacts representatives. Gov. Tony Evers proposed program funding in his budget, but Republicans cut it in May.
Parisi noted programs like LFPA highlighted the importance of feeding people and expressed concern for affected families. “A small amount of money among larger expenditures can significantly impact those who lose out,” she said.
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