Senate passes budget with $50M in priority funding for farmers, fighting hunger

The Senate has passed a budget that includes $50 million in priority funding for farmers, addressing food insecurity.

The funding was included in the Senate’s General Appropriations Act (SB 2500) and was also a priority for Senate President Ben Albritton.

“As I travel the state, attacking food insecurity unites Floridians like nothing else can. Food matters. The fact is no matter how prosperous our state is, unexpected and unplanned things happen that can cause food insecurity for families,” Albritton said.

“That reality resonates with people from all walks and at every stage of life. No one wants their neighbor, especially a child or senior, to go to bed hungry. This initiative is about connecting hungry families with farmers who produce fresh, wholesome food — a much-needed hand-up for families when it matters most.”

Of the $50 million included in the Senate proposed budget, $12 million funds a grant program expanding food banks and pantries serving food insecure Floridians currently disadvantaged by their distant proximity to services. The Food Bank Infrastructure Expansion Grants are administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).

The Department will work with Feeding Florida to identify underserved areas, with emphasis on rural communities.

“We are grateful for President Albritton and the leadership’s recognition that investing in food security strengthens both our agricultural community and supports those facing hunger,” Feeding Florida CEO Robin Safley said.

The grant program will also help expand distribution routes, fund new transportation equipment and provide necessary training to onboard food pantry staff.

“Food insecurity can be an unanticipated and time-sensitive challenge for a family. It’s important that we have resources available in our communities so families know where they can go for help during a tough time,” Senate President Pro Tempore Jason Brodeur said. “With this funding we can identify underserved areas, especially in rural areas, and expand distribution and transportation routes.”

Brodeur chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government and authored the funding initiative.

Another $38 million will go to FDACS to administer Food Bank Operational Grants, which help provide fresh food grown or produced in Florida for hunger relief efforts. The grants can be awarded to associations or organizations that coordinate or distribute fresh food products.

Recipients must use the funds for charitable purchases and are required to provide monthly reports detailing the amount of food purchased by commodity type, where and when the food was purchased, and when and where it was distributed. Quarterly reports outlining additional details, such as new partners, distribution breakouts and food and donation receipts, are also required.

“Florida’s farmers have a deep connection to our state and its people, going back in many cases for generations. Rain or shine, they are responsible for putting food on grocery shelves across the state and are our first and best line of defense against food insecurity,” Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson said.

“Expanding our food bank infrastructure will help connect more families across Florida with fresh, healthy, seasonal crops and produce grown right here in the Sunshine State.”