The Impact of LFPA
At the Community Food Bank, our mission is to provide nutritious food to our neighbors in need, and the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Program is crucial in helping us achieve this goal. The LFPA program not only supports our efforts but also strengthens local agriculture by enabling us to purchase fresh, locally-produced food directly from farmers.
How LFPA Benefits Our Community
One recent example highlights the invaluable role of LFPA in our operations. Rancho Durazno, a local farm known for its produce, experienced an overstock of cherries this season. Thanks to LFPA funding, we were able to purchase these cherries and distribute them to families in our community. This not only helped Rancho Durazno manage their surplus but also provided our neighbors with fresh, delicious fruit that might otherwise have gone to waste.
By leveraging LFPA funds, we are able to support local farmers and ensure that the food we distribute is both nutritious and fresh. This approach benefits everyone involved: local farms thrive, and community members receive high-quality produce that supports their health and well-being.
The Need for Continued Support
The LFPA program has proven to be an effective tool in connecting local farms with food banks and other community organizations. However, this vital program is currently at risk as it approaches the end of its authorization. To continue this positive impact, it's crucial that Congress takes action to secure the future of LFPA through the Farm Bill.
Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow's recent proposal to the Senate agriculture committee aims to make the LFPA program permanent, with mandatory funding that ensures ongoing support for local and underserved producers. This proposal also includes provisions for Tribal nations, further expanding the program's reach and effectiveness.
How You Can Help
If you are passionate about supporting local farmers and ensuring that our community continues to benefit from fresh, locally-sourced food, there’s a simple way to make your voice heard. Nourish Colorado has created a form that allows you to easily contact your local legislators and express your support for the LFPA program. Your advocacy can make a significant difference in preserving and expanding this essential program.
To support LFPA and help ensure that our local farmers and community members continue to thrive, use this template and let your legislators know how important this program is to you.
Moving Forward Together
At the Community Food Bank, we are deeply grateful for the impact of the LFPA program and the support it provides to both our organization and the local farming community. With your help and continued advocacy, we can ensure that this program remains a vital resource for many years to come, fostering stronger connections between local producers and those in need.
Together, we can continue to nourish our community and support the farmers who make it all possible. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to a healthier, more sustainable future.
