Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Senate President Ben Albritton (R-Wauchula) and Senate President Pro Tempore Jason Brodeur (R-Sanford) recently launched Florida’s statewide Farmers Feeding Florida initiative. Spearheaded by Simpson in partnership with the Feeding Florida Network, the Farmers Feeding Florida initiative is a priority of Albritton, sponsored in the Senate by Brodeur. The initiative expands Florida’s food bank infrastructure and links fresh food products grown or produced by Florida farmers to local food banks throughout the state.
Florida’s 2025–26 state budget appropriated funding to increase the availability of fresh food products for Floridians facing food insecurity. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) works with food bank partners who manage a statewide commodities reimbursement and distribution program. All food commodities distributed through the initiative must be fresh food products grown or produced in Florida. Food bank partners purchase, transport and distribute the food to help Floridians who are food insecure.
Additionally, the budget includes funding to expand Florida’s food bank and food pantry infrastructure. FDACS is working with Feeding Florida to identify underserved areas, with a focus on rural regions of Florida. Funding will be used to equip new locations, expand distribution routes, purchase transportation equipment or provide necessary training to onboard pantry staff.
“Florida’s robust network of food banks and food pantries exists to support families whenever and wherever the need arises,” said Simpson. “Through Farmers Feeding Florida, we are connecting Florida’s farmers and ranchers directly with local distribution channels to make certain our food banks and pantries are stocked with the healthy food families are looking for.”
“We will continue to be laser-focused on solving food insecurity in Florida,” said Albritton. “No matter how prosperous our state is, unexpected and unplanned things happen that can cause food insecurity for families. Florida does a lot to help struggling folks back onto their feet, and food is a major part of that effort. As I travel the state, attacking food insecurity unites Floridians like nothing else can. Food matters.”
“This partnership doesn’t just provide food — it strengthens local economies, ensures farmers can continue producing and prevents food waste,” said Robin Safley, chief executive officer of Feeding Florida.
Learn more here.
Source: Farmers Feeding Florida
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