HOUSE Concurrent RESOLUTION 96
(By Delegate Canterbury)
[March 31, 2025; Referred
to the committee on Rules]
Urging West Virginia members of Congress to ask the President not to cut funding for the Local Food for Schools and Child Care (LFSCC) program.
Whereas, The United States of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service has officially terminated the second round of the Local Food for Schools and Child Care (LFSCC) program as well as its sibling Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program; and
Whereas, LFSCC was set to provide state agencies with $660 million for schools and childcare sites to purchase local food over the next three years; and
Whereas, The National Farm to School Network aims to shed light on the disastrous impact this decision will have for each state's farmers and ranchers, and the child nutrition programs working every day to nourish kids; and
Whereas, This is a devastating loss for our community and farmers across the United States; and
Whereas, LFSCC is a common-sense program that delivers real economic and community benefits while improving child nutrition; and
Whereas, LFSCC directed food dollars straight to farmers, ranchers, and food businesses; and
Whereas, This has already changed lives by forging new connections between local buyers and producers and strengthening rural economies; and
Whereas, Funding for this program can only be used for fresh and minimally processed foods; and
Whereas, If we want to "Make America Healthy Again," this program is a shining example of serving kids locally grown, high quality, dye-free, scratch cooked meals while supporting American farmers; and
Whereas, Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, LFSCC allowed states to design their own strategies for getting local food on the lunch tray, ensuring solutions that fit their unique needs; and
Whereas, Federal law requires strict financial oversight entities receiving over $750,000 annually in federal funds; and
Whereas, LFSCC funding was subject to audits that reviewed operations, internal controls, and financial accountability, ensuring taxpayer dollars were spent efficiently, effectively, and only on local food spent in schools; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the West Virginia Legislature urge West Virginia members of Congress to ask the President to not cut funding for the Local Food for Schools and Child Care program; and, be it:
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House forwards a copy of this resolution to the members of the West Virginia Congressional delegation.