States can make up for some Trump cuts

Even some of the reddest states are doing so, believe it or not. Which isn't to suggest that the federal cuts shouldn't be reversed, at the earliest opportunity.

In March, the Trump administration pulled the rug on $1 billion in funds for the Local Food for Schools (LFS) and Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) programs. The two programs provided funding to schools and food pantries to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and meats from local farmers.

For the farmers, schools, community organizations and tribal nations involved, the programs were a win-win situation. Small farmers earned reliable income through government contracts. Schools could provide children with fresh, local and oftentimes organic produce that would usually be out of budget for a school cafeteria…

Nineteen states operate farm to school food purchase programs similar to LFS. After the federal program was cut in March, states, including Vermont, Connecticut, Alabama, Oklahoma and Minnesota stepped in to increase their funding. - Barn Raiser