Gov. Gavin Newsom made an urgent plea to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to reverse the cancellation of a program that provides food to millions of California families and supports small farmers. Since its inception in 2021, the program has provided $88.5 million to California to purchase food from local farmers. However, the USDA announced in March that it was eliminating the program, leaving farmers uncertain about the future of their crops. The elimination of the program will also impact food banks and safety net programs, which are already struggling to meet the needs of Californians facing food insecurity. The cuts come at a time when both state and federal aid programs are being scaled back amid food inflation, with grocery prices in Los Angeles already 2.5% higher than a year ago. Economists predict that new tariffs will further drive up the cost of food. In response to the cancellation of the program, Newsom and the California Department of Social Services have called the move unlawful and are urging the USDA to reverse its decision. The appeal highlights the devastating impact the cancellation will have on farmers, food banks, and vulnerable families in California. Farmers and food bank officials have expressed deep concern about the loss of the program, which provided a guaranteed income for farmers and vital support for families in need. The appeal argues that the USDA’s decision is arbitrary and must be reversed to prevent further harm to farmers and families in California.
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