The federal budget reconciliation bill, signed into law on July 4, slashed SNAP benefits by nearly $186 billion and ended programs that support the majority of growers and rural communities. In the bill’s wake, RIFPC has joined with elected officials and other food system leaders to champion new legislation aimed at bolstering the market for local farmers while improving community food security.
Of particular note, on July 22, Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Jim Justice (R-WV) introduced the Strengthening Local Food Security Act (S. 2338) aimed at boosting local farmers and expanding access to healthy food for families. One week later, 12 bipartisan representatives introduced a similar bill, the Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act (LFFC) of 2025 (H.R. 4782). RIFPC has asked Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo to cosign this legislation; both are considering doing so.
“It’s always a good time to invest in Rhode Island’s farmers,” RIFPC Director Nessa Richman told Senator Reed’s office on the introduction of S. 2338. “This bill will increase fairness by opening valuable wholesale markets to our smaller-scale producers. Even better, it does so while supporting the state’s economy and feeding our communities.”
Richman met over the summer with staff of the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, a grassroots alliance that advocates for federal policy reform. NSAC has applauded both the Senate and House bills for offering practical, bipartisan solutions to local food insecurity and ensuring market opportunities for local food producers.