An innovative program that paid small farmers to grow much-needed produce for California food banks is losing its federal funding as part of the Trump Administration’s efforts to slash government spending.
Launched in 2023, the Farms Together Program was funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and distributed throughout the state by the California Association of Family Farmers, the California Association of Food Banks and Fresh Approach.
California’s program was part of a nationwide effort funded by the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement. About $500 million was expected to be pumped into the program this year…