Sen. Ossoff presses agriculture secretary over school food program cancellation
WASHINGTON D.C. (WALB) - U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is pushing for answers after the Trump istration canceled a federal program that had helped Georgia farmers supply fresh, locally grown food to public schools across the state.
During a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing today focused on Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug istration, Sen. Ossoff pressed Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on the discontinuation of the Local Foods for Schools (LFS) program.
The LFS program, which connected Georgia farmers with nearby school districts, had become a vital tool in improving student nutrition and boosting local economies. Ossoff cited direct from Georgia educators and farmers who emphasized the importance of the program.
“In communities across Georgia, this program has been a lifeline — both for farmers and for the children who benefit from fresh, healthy meals,” Sen. Ossoff said during the hearing. “We need to understand why this program was shut down.”
Scott Richardson, Director of School Nutrition for Dawson County Schools, shared with Ossoff’s office that the program had “transformed” their ability to bring healthy, locally grown produce to students. “Prior to LFS, purchasing from local farmers was often cost-prohibitive due to pricing and transportation challenges,” Richardson said. “The LFS program alleviated those barriers.”
Other districts echoed similar concerns. The Colquitt County School Nutrition Office noted the program’s role in enriching the school community by offering fresher and healthier food options. Crisp County officials said LFS helped establish reliable local food sources for their students.
The program’s impact extended beyond school cafeterias. Parrish Akins, a family farmer from Nashville, Georgia, said LFS allowed his farm to retain more revenue by reducing dependency on intermediaries in the supply chain. “It’s helped us increase our revenues and sustain our operation,” Akins said.
Sen. Ossoff has pledged to continue advocating for Georgia farmers and schools, urging the Department of Agriculture to reconsider the program’s cancellation or implement a similar initiative to meet the same needs.
Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.
To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Copyright 2025 WALB. All rights reserved.
