Rep. Bresnahan unveils Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act

DALLAS — On a mild, sunny day in Dallas, U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr. said that far too often, the discussion around alleviating hunger leaves out those who grow, raise and produce food — our local farmers.

Bresnahan, R-Dallas Township, held a roundtable and unveiling event for his legislation — the Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act.

The event, held at Brace’s Orchard in Dallas, brought together farmers, food banks and community food advocates to share first-hand accounts on the importance of supporting local agriculture and food access.

“I want to thank everyone who joined us today to highlight the important role locally grown food plays in our communities,” said Bresnahan. “The Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act will ensure our local farmers — and community food programs — continue to be a part of the conversation. By establishing agreements between local food growers and local food distribution programs, we can grow our local businesses and improve access to healthy food for those in need.”

The event began with a tour of Brace’s Orchard, followed by a roundtable discussion. Bresnahan was joined by Logan Brace, co-owner of Brace’s Orchard; Julie Bancroft, CEO of Feeding Pennsylvania; Andrea Heller, owner of Heller Orchards; Jerry Mancelli, Brace’s Orchard; and Jennifer Warabak, executive director of Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank.

Rep. Bresnahan said the Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act will allow states, through USDA, to establish cooperative agreements connecting local farmers and producers with local food distribution organizations.

Through these agreements, Rep. Bresnahan said funds will be used to purchase local, fresh and minimally processed foods like seafood, meat, milk, cheese, eggs, fruit and poultry.

The bill also sets aside a portion of these funds to purchase food specifically from small, mid-size, beginning, and veteran farmers.

Warabak said her organization relies heavily on the produce supplied by local farmers. CEO covers four counties in NEPA.

“We have 300 partners in the four counties we serve,” Warabak said. “And we continuously see the need rising in all of those counties. We appreciate what local farmers do for us to assure we treat our clients with dignity and respect.”

Julie Bancroft, CEO of Feeding Pennsylvania, said there has been a decrease in funding to support agencies like hers across Pennsylvania. She said she is hopeful that Bresnahan’s legislation will be approved and that funding will increase.

Rep. Bresnahan said the Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act is endorsed by the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, Feeding Pennsylvania, Feeding America, National Milk Producers Federation, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, National Farmers Union, Save the Children, Feeding New York State, and Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York.