Farm to School funding cut harms central Minnesota farmers

Cindy VanDerPol runs a family farm called Pastures A Plenty in central Minnesota. Recently, she prepared bids to supply local school districts with meat and eggs for the next school year. However, news broke that federal funding for the Farm to School Program was being cut. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it would not fulfill agreements worth over $17 million. This funding was vital for Minnesota schools to buy food from local farmers. VanDerPol explained that her farm would suffer, but so would four local communities that rely on the farm’s processors. U.S. Senator Tina Smith attended a meeting of local food producers where VanDerPol spoke. She highlighted how this cut would have ripple effects. Rural economies and children's nutrition depend on programs like Farm to School, Smith emphasized. She noted it is already hard for farmers to make money, and ending support makes it worse. Jeanine Bowman, food services director for a local school, also stressed the importance of teaching kids where their food comes from. The Becker Market, started about 17 years ago by Beverly Dougherty, helps provide consistent access to local foods for students. Local producers at the meeting shared how the Becker Market has helped their operations. One organic farmer, Dan Moe, mentioned he saw market growth after the market opened. Kent and Lori Peterson, another local farming couple, reported increased demand and are even expanding their business. Smith pledged to continue fighting for local food support, criticizing the funding cuts as untrustworthy to farmers. She stated that these agreements should be honored to help sustain communities and local economies.