The resolution urges West Virginia's congressional representatives to advocate against cuts to the Local Food for Schools and Child Care (LFSCC) program, which has recently been terminated by the United States Department of Agriculture. The LFSCC program was designed to allocate $660 million over three years to state agencies for purchasing local food for schools and childcare facilities, thereby supporting local farmers and enhancing child nutrition. The resolution highlights the program's significant benefits, including economic support for rural communities, the promotion of fresh and minimally processed foods, and the ability for states to tailor their food sourcing strategies to meet local needs.
The resolution emphasizes the adverse effects of the program's termination on both local agriculture and child nutrition initiatives, calling it a devastating loss for communities across the nation. It points out that the LFSCC program not only fosters connections between local producers and buyers but also ensures accountability in the use of federal funds through strict oversight and audits. The House of Delegates expresses its commitment to advocating for the continuation of this program, which aligns with the goal of improving children's health and supporting American farmers.