The Impact of Funding Cancellation on Local Farms + Schools

Photos from some of our school deliveries for the MSDE farm to school program

Did you hear that last week the US Department of Agriculture CANCELED $1 billion dollars of funding for farm to school and farm to food pantry programs?

This directly affects us at Moon Valley and our contracts to sell to 12 counties across the state, serving hundreds of schools and THOUSANDS of school children with organic and locally-grown produce in their lunches.

We are very disappointed and frankly heartbroken, as this program allowed us to access institutions as a customer and be a part of increasing the quality of school lunches for children across the state.

Farmers like us have expanded their crop production and modified crop plans to grow specific produce for these schools – and we’ve already made investments in the crop production as well as the distribution infrastructure.

What can you do?

Reach out to your representatives and let them know that you support the reinstatement of the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program – and while you’re at it let them know we need the grant and loan programs to be unfrozen so we can access our committed funds.

You can also help us spread the word that farmers need support now more than ever. Our grant and loan programs have been radio silent for 2 months with no known resolution or end in sight. Our contracts are getting canceled right in front of our eyes, and valuable programs that help us to survive are being axed with no warning.

Forward this email and like, share and comment on our Instagram post to help spread the word here and use your dollars to vote for the viability of organic and local agriculture by joining our CSA program! THANK YOU for your support.