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WINNESHIEK COUNTY — Iowa's agriculture community is reeling after the termination of two major USDA programs—Local Food for Schools (LFS) and Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA)—which were critical in getting fresh, locally grown food into schools, food banks, and daycares across the state. The announcement, which came from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, has left a gaping $11.3 million hole in Iowa's local food infrastructure. The Impact on Farmers and Local Food SystemsFor Carly Zierke, co-owner of Sweet Season Farm in Calmar, Iowa, the news of the program cuts represents more than just a financial setback—it's a blow to the local food system they've worked so hard to build. "These weren't just handouts—they were investments in small farms like ours," Zierke said. "They made sure fresh, locally grown food got to schools and food banks and were helping to establish food hubs and distribution systems. Now that progress is at risk." Zierke's farm, which sells certified organic vegetables, was one of many local producers who relied on the programs for a significant portion of their sales. In fact, Sweet Season Farm saw about 10% of its sales come from the LFPA and LFS programs in the previous year. Zierke is confident the farm will adjust and find new markets, but the bigger loss is felt across the community. "Shifting plans in mid-March isn't ideal," Zierke said, reflecting on the timing of the cut. "By now, our crop plan is locked in, seeds are in the ground, and we're preparing for the season ahead. But farming demands creativity, grit, and adaptability—and we're no strangers to a challenge." Zierke and her husband, Ethan, will continue to sell their produce through the Iowa Food Hub, the Decorah Farmers Market, and the Oneota Community Food Co-op. "One of the most rewarding ways we connect with our community is through our Market Share program at the Decorah Farmers Market, where members prepay for market credit and receive a 10% bonus as a thank-you," Zierke expressed. "This year, over 50 families—our biggest year yet—have signed up before we've even harvested a single vegetable. We know the names of every member, and some of them have been with us through multiple seasons." The loss of these programs affects more than just single farms—it threatens the entire distribution network. Your support keeps truth alive in Decorah—donate to local news today! The Bigger Picture: Local Food Hubs and Infrastructure at RiskPeter Kraus, general manager of the Iowa Food Hub, which works with farmers like Sweet Season Farm, shares Zierke's concerns about the larger impact of the USDA decision. He explained how the loss of funding doesn't just affect individual farms but ripples through the entire local food infrastructure. "Some producers will be hit harder than others," Kraus said. "For those who invested in new equipment and long-term goals, the rug has been pulled out from beneath them. Their success is our success, so it's difficult to watch, especially when so much was invested in building a system that supports local farmers." The Iowa Food Hub, which serves as a crucial link between farmers and markets, will face increased challenges as well. Kraus noted that the Hub had invested in infrastructure such as a large truck and delivery routes, which relied on the predictable flow of work and dollars from programs like LFPA and LFS. Without that funding, those routes become less efficient, leading to wasted product and less food moving through the system. "We're pivoting to diversify, but it won't help the same producers in the same way," Kraus explained. "The funding was important because it offered a fair price for people to invest in their farms. There are a lot of producers in the driftless area, so we have a lot of supply to send across the state and neighboring states. The funding cut will have an impact on our relationship with those states, which makes it even more essential for areas like us to get support." What's Next?Despite the setbacks, Zierke and Kraus remain hopeful that similar programs will be reinstated or expanded upon in the future, particularly in the 2025 Farm Bill. They're urging lawmakers to step up and recognize the importance of investing in local food systems. "Farms like ours—and the communities we feed—depend on forward-thinking policies that make local food a priority," Zierke said. "People want more fresh, local food on more tables. It takes investment—not just directly in farms, but in the things that keep local food moving: transportation, sales channels, and logistics. The Iowa Food Hub plays a critical role in making sure farmers can grow and distribute food effectively. With the right support, we can keep growing, keep feeding, and keep building a stronger, more resilient food future." Kraus echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of state-level and national support for local food initiatives. "Iowa has its own programs that mimic the federal programs, but they're much smaller in scale," Kraus said. "We need those to be increased. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins called these funding programs 'non-essential' and that is just incorrect. These sentiments strike me as hypocritical considering the administration's 'America first' mindset. These sorts of programs are the definition of local." Support from Schools and CommunitiesLocal schools are also feeling the impact, but some, like Chad Elliott, director of nutrition services for the Decorah Community School District, are confident in the continued purchasing of local food in the face of the cuts. "Decorah will continue to purchase local food items as we have in previous years," Elliott said. "These cuts may reduce a single center-of-the-plate protein service, but for most of our local food purchases, students and staff will not see much of an effect on our menus." Elliott is also planning to apply for a "Choose Iowa" grant, one of the state-level funding opportunities to support local food initiatives. "I urge everyone to continue to support local foods and farmers so their products are always available for our schools to purchase," Elliott said. How You Can HelpWith the future of Iowa's local food system uncertain, both farmers and food hubs are asking for the community's support. Here's how you can help: Call your representatives to reinstate funding. Buy from local markets and co-ops. Donate to the Iowa Food Hub to keep operations running. Looking AheadWhile the loss of these vital USDA programs is a setback, Iowa's farmers, food hubs, and local communities are resilient. They remain committed to finding creative solutions and rebuilding what's been lost. With continued support and advocacy, there's hope that the momentum of building strong, sustainable local food systems can continue. As Kraus put it, "We'll be scrappier than ever. We're trying to figure out our new normal. We just have to work harder for change, and hopefully the public responds to that." Unlock a world of knowledge! Sign up for free DecorahNews.com newsletters and receive local news, local events and everything that is happening in and around Decorah.

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Local Organizations Respond to $11.3 Million USDA Food Program Cuts