Strengthening Local Food Security Act of 2025

This bill creates a nationwide program to buy food from nearby farmers, fishermen, and processors and get it to people where they live. The U.S. Department of Agriculture would fund states, Tribal governments, and local governments to purchase local foods like produce, meat, dairy, eggs, poultry, and seafood, and deliver them to food banks, schools, and child care centers. The goal is to improve food security, help local producers, and make the food supply stronger, especially for underserved communities. At least half of the money paid for food must go to qualifying local producers, and most purchases must come from within the area or within 400 miles. Priority goes to communities with the greatest need.

Money would be given out on a simple, noncompetitive basis: 10% to Tribal governments, 1% to each state, and the rest by formula. Funds can be used to buy food and to cover things like aggregation, delivery, equipment, and staff. USDA can require basic food-safety training or certification, and governments must offer help to producers to meet those rules. At least half of each award is paid upfront so food purchases can start quickly, and the rest comes by the midpoint of the agreement. Awards must be spent within three years. Congress sets $200 million a year in mandatory funding starting in 2025, with another $200 million a year authorized for 2025–2029.

• Who is affected: local and regional producers; Tribal, state, and local governments; food banks; schools and child care; underserved communities.
• What changes: new USDA program to buy and distribute local food; simple funding formula; at least 51% of purchases from qualifying local producers; help with food safety; upfront payments.
• When: funding starts in 2025; funds must be spent within three years of award; applications due within a year of allocation or money can be reassigned.