The Trump administration has halted reimbursements for Illinois’ Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA) and Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI), affecting efforts to support farmers and provide fresh food to food banks. As a result, Illinois is missing out on nearly $18 million in LFPA funding and $6.5 million for RFSI.
The LFPA, which operates through the Illinois-EATS program, aims to buy fresh products from socially disadvantaged farmers and distribute them via food pantries at no cost. Brenda Stewart, a local farmer, expressed concern for those relying on her farm and these programs, especially in areas like Pembroke Township, which lacks grocery stores.
Despite the USDA previously approving $43 million for Illinois to run these programs, reimbursements for claims submitted after January 19 have been denied without explanation. This development follows a letter from Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois Democrats urging the White House to address the withholding of nearly $2 billion in federal funds allocated to Illinois.
As Illinois farmers also grapple with new tariffs affecting their exports, the loss of federal support further complicates an already challenging agricultural landscape as the planting season approaches.
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