Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed has introduced a bill intended to help farmers, fisherman and food producers grow their markets and strengthen the nation's food supply chain network.
The Expanding Access to Local Foods Act would leverage government procurement and purchasing power to increase access to locally sourced fresh, healthy food in underserved communities.
“The EAT Local Foods Act would strengthen food supply chains while delivering food to those who need it and ensure food banks and pantries are stocked with nutritious goods. The LFPA demonstrated a successful model that improved food and agricultural supply chain resiliency while providing locally-grown food to organizations that reach underserved communities. This cost-effective program should be extended, not ended. We can’t afford to lose ground and this bill plants the seed for continued, sustainable investment in family farmers, fishermen, ranchers, producers, and our local food systems. It gives people in need access to fresh, healthy food, and strengthens local economies,” said Senator Reed. “It’s also good for the environment because it means locally grown produce and products are consumed in nearby communities rather than shipped off to faraway destinations. The pandemic is over, but we still have a long way to go to serve food insecure neighbors and the EAT Local Foods Act will put more fresh, healthy food on people’s tables.”
The legislation has a dozen Senate co-sponsors.
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