Photo Bardwell Farm | Katie Degnan
I want to extend my deepest gratitude for the opportunity to speak at the Hadley Farm Rally. It was truly inspiring to stand alongside so many passionate advocates for our local food system, especially in light of the devastating federal funding cuts.
The USDA's decision to cancel the Local Food for Schools and the LFPA (Local Food Purchase Assistance Program) is a direct assault on the resilience of our communities. It will have a profound impact on our children, our farmers, and our local economy for a very long time.
A big thank you to Kerry Taylor, your leadership is truly remarkable. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to this cause.
Kristen Wilmer, Stephen Taranto, and Claire Morenon of CISA, thank you for your guidance, support, and dedication to our farming community.
It was an honor to share the stage with all of you. Each of your stories resonated deeply and highlighted the urgent need to address these cuts. The impact extends far beyond spreadsheets; they affect real people, real families, and real communities.
For the folks who weren't there, the rally was an attempt to communicate the tangible losses our local farms, schools, food pantrys will be facing. The $12.2 million in Massachusetts alone, is not just a number; it represents lost opportunities for our children to access healthy, locally sourced food, and a severe blow to the livelihoods of farmers.
The impact will ripple through our communities. Schools will struggle to afford healthy food, local food hubs will face financial strain, and farmers will be left with unsold produce and unfinished projects. The domino effect is undeniable, and the consequences will be felt by us all.
Thank you again for providing a platform to address these critical issues. I am committed to continuing this fight alongside all of you.
Remember, our unity is our strength.
Harrison Bardwell
