WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King is demanding the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reverse its cancelation of food purchase programs for food banks, schools and childcare centers in Maine and across the United States.

In a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins from King and a number of his colleagues, the Senators said the reported $1 billion in cancelled purchases by the USDA adds further pain at a time of high food prices and instability within U.S. agricultural markets, according to a March 18 news release from King's office. 

“We ask that you reverse the cancellation,” the Senators wrote. “We have grave concerns that the cancellation...poses extreme harm to producers and communities in every state across the country. At a time of uncertainty in farm country, farmers need every opportunity to be able to expand market access for their products.”  

In Maine, cancelation of purchases through USDA’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS) puts more than $1.3 million in local food purchases for food-insecure Maine people at risk in Fiscal Year 2025.  

“At Good Shepherd Food Bank, we use LFPA funding to purchase fresh local produce from dozens of Maine farmers,” said Heather Paquette, President of Good Shepherd Food Bank, in the release. “The reduction of these funds will have a significant negative impact on farmers who plan on this income continuity, and neighbors who benefit from this nutritious local produce. We appreciate [Senator King’s] consideration for reinstating this LFPA25 extension.”

“The Maine School Nutrition Association would like to extend their gratitude and support of the letter that Senator King has sent to the USDA asking to reinstate Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS) funds,” said Caroline Trinder, Maine School Nutrition Association President Elect. “These funds have been beneficial to both our students and farmers, with 119 districts in all 16 counties in Maine buying local. School districts have been able to source local fish, beef, dairy, and produce from our farmers and fishermen here in Maine. This food provides our children healthy, minimally processed foods that we are proud to serve in our cafeterias! Thank you, Senator King, for advocating for our students and farmers!”

The full letter sent to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins can be found here and below.