2025 Agriculture budget addresses food security in Minnesota
St. Paul, Minn – Today, the Minnesota Senate passed the Agriculture budget bill which would address federal efforts under the Trump administration to cut food security programs. In response, Minnesota is investing boldly in its local food system by launching a permanent statewide Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program and expanding support for the Farm to School program.
Minnesota’s new LFPA program is modeled after the federal program which was cut by the Trump administration. Minnesota’s LFPA program will help purchase fresh and nutritious foods from local farmers to distribute to Minnesota hunger relief organizations. This approach strengthens the state’s regional food economy while ensuring more Minnesotans have access to the food they need.
“Food shouldn’t be political,” said Senator Aric Putnam (DFL-St. Cloud), Chair of the Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee. “But at a time when the federal government is slashing support for families who are struggling, Minnesota is choosing to invest in our communities and in the farmers who feed us.”
The legislation also delivers new funding for the state’s Farm to School program, which connects K-12 students with locally grown food. These investments will help school districts purchase more local food from Minnesota farmers, ensuring fresher meals for students and more opportunities for local producers.
“The Farm to School program has helped our students receive fresh and nutritious locally sourced food while providing additional revenue streams for our farmers, a win-win for Minnesota,” said Sen. Gustafson.“While the federal government has turned its back on our kids and farmers, I’m proud to say that we are stepping up and making sure it lives on.”
At a time when many states are facing difficult choices about how to fill gaps left by the Trump administration, Minnesota is investing in people, food, and a future where no Minnesotan goes hungry. The Agriculture budget passed on a vote of 58-8 and will now move to Governor Walz to sign into law.
Vice Chair of the Higher Education Committee. He serves on the Jobs and Economic Development Committee and Taxes Committee.
Learn more about Sen. Putnam.
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Learn more about Sen. Gustafson.
