WASHINGTON – Last week, Senator Jim Justice and Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) introduced theStrengthening Local Food Security Act. This bipartisan legislation will boost economic opportunities for farmers, fishermen, & producers while supporting food security by increasing access to locally grown, nutritious food at food banks and in schools.
Read the legislation by clicking HERE.
Here’s what they are saying (WTAS):
“The Strengthening Local Food Security Act of 2025 is a transformative step toward building resilient food systems, supporting local producers, and ensuring underserved communities have access to nutritious food. The West Virginia Department of Agriculture commends Senators Justice and Reed for leading the way to fostering partnerships and prioritizing food security while empowering states and local governments to create sustainable solutions that benefit farmers, schools, and families alike,” said Commissioner Kent Leonhardt, West Virginia Department of Agriculture.
“As President of the West Virginia Cattlemen’s Association, I see firsthand how hard our farmers and processors work to feed our communities. This bipartisan legislation is a game-changer—it boosts local processing demand, reduces bottlenecks, and creates stronger market opportunities for West Virginia beef. It’s not just about food security—it’s about supporting farmers and agriculture operators in rural WV, entrepreneurship, and driving agricultural economic development and stability in our rural communities while keeping that tradition going through our children in the school system,” said Megan Webb, President of the West Virginia Cattlemen’s Association.
“We are incredibly grateful to Senator Justice and Senator Reed for championing this critical legislation. In West Virginia, we know our farmers aren’t just in the business of agriculture — they’re in the business of feeding their communities. This bill is an investment in farmers and rural America and gives them the tools they need to build strong, resilient farm businesses that not only support their families but nourish their neighbors. It’s a win for farmers, a win for local economies, and a win for West Virginia,” said Spencer Moss, Executive Director of the West Virginia Food & Farm Coalition.
“The Strengthening Local Foods Act is a crucial step in making our local food economy as resilient as our people and could not come at a better time. We continue to see an increase in need for food assistance all over West Virginia, and connecting healthy, fresh locally grown food to hungry neighbors is a piece of the on-going puzzle to end hunger in the Mountain State. We applaud the effort to build stronger local food supplies across the nation and look forward to growing our relationships with local producers across West Virginia with this added tool,” said Mountaineer Food Bank CEO Chad Morrison.
“As a member of a strong team developed amongst the communities at the center of our work, as well as countless farmers and producers, we have been able to provide millions of pounds of fresh produce, meat, dairy, and other products to the neighbors we serve through former programs at the USDA. These programs offered vital food resources and had a massive impact on local economies and farmers. With this proposed legislation, as authored by Senator Justice and Senator Reed, I am grateful for what appears to be a strong program that will benefit people across the country, including our neighbors, as well as our farmers and producers,” said Cynthia Kirkhart, CEO of the Facing Hunger Food Bank. “I have had the pleasure of working with then Governor Justice on many hunger relief initiatives, so I take great comfort and pride in his continuing support of our farmers, and ensuring that our brothers and sisters in West Virginia have increased access to fresh, West Virginia grown produce, meat, dairy, and other foods, while supporting our many hardworking farmers and producers across the state. I encourage all members of Congress to support this important legislation that will benefit millions of people and support local economies across the country,” she added.
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