U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) hosted a roundtable in Dallas, Pennsylvania, to discuss his new legislation, the Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act. The event took place at Brace’s Orchard and brought together farmers, food bank leaders, and advocates focused on improving access to local food.
“I want to thank everyone who joined us today to highlight the important role locally grown food plays in our communities,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “Far too often, the discussion around alleviating hunger leaves out those who grow, raise, and produce food – our local farmers. The Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act will ensure our local farmers – and community food programs – continue to be a part of the conversation. By establishing agreements between local food growers and local food distribution programs, we can grow our local businesses and improve access to healthy food for those in need.”
The event included a tour of Brace’s Orchard followed by a discussion with participants such as Logan Brace, co-owner of Brace’s Orchard; Julie Bancroft, CEO of Feeding Pennsylvania; Andrea Heller from Heller Orchards; Jerry Mancelli from Brace’s Orchard; and Jennifer Warabak of Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank.
The proposed legislation would allow states working through the USDA to create cooperative agreements linking local producers with organizations that distribute food within their communities. Funding under this bill would go toward purchasing fresh foods like seafood, meat, dairy products, eggs, fruit, and poultry directly from area producers. A portion of these funds is set aside specifically for small-scale operations including beginning and veteran farmers.
The Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act has received endorsements from several organizations including the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, Feeding Pennsylvania, Feeding America, National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC), National Farmers Union (NFU), Save the Children, Feeding New York State, and Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY).
