The Florida Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government released its proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, and it includes funding that will address food insecurity and support Florida’s farmers.
The proposal will be included in Senate Bill 2500, the General Appropriations Act, the Senate’s balanced budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year.
“Florida’s farmers, growers and ranchers produce hundreds of different commodities every year. Fresh from Florida is more than just a slogan – it’s a way of life for those who feed our state and nation,” said Senate President Ben Albritton (R-Wauchula). “No matter how prosperous our state is, unexpected and unplanned things happen that can cause food insecurity for families.
“We’re running to this fight to connect hungry families across our state with Florida farmers who produce fresh, wholesome food.”
Included in the Budget
The Senate’s proposed budget funds $12 million to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) to administer a grant program to expand food banks and pantries designed to serve food insecure Floridians who are currently disadvantaged by proximity to services. The department will work with Feeding Florida to identify underserved areas.
The Senate budget proposal also includes $38 million for DACS to administer a competitive grant program to provide fresh food products grown or produced in Florida.
“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,” said Florida Ag Commissioner Wilton Simpson.
“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.”