House Resolution No. by Representative McFarland commends Louisiana farmers for their vital role in providing healthy food options, supporting local economies, and promoting agricultural resilience. The resolution highlights the challenges faced by the agricultural community, particularly following the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) decision to halt over $1 billion in federal funding for programs that assist schools and food banks in purchasing food from local producers. This funding cut is expected to significantly impact food security in Louisiana, especially for low-income families and schoolchildren who rely on these programs for access to nutritious, locally-sourced food.

The resolution emphasizes the importance of state-level initiatives to support farmers and strengthen local food systems in light of these federal cuts. It calls for the creation and expansion of funding mechanisms that prioritize farm-to-institution purchasing, which would help maintain the financial stability of local farmers while ensuring that institutions such as schools and hospitals continue to source food from them. The House of Representatives expresses its support for Louisiana farmers and their contributions to the state's economy and food security, and it directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to the executive director of Farmers First of Louisiana.