Jon Ossoff Questions Ag Sec. Rollins on Georgia's Local Foods for Schools Program Cancellation

Hurricane Relief for Georgia Farmers

• 🎯 Senator Ossoff inquired about the timeline for distributing hurricane relief funds to Georgia farmers impacted by Hurricanes Michael and Helen.
• ⏱️ Secretary Rollins stated that while relief was passed quickly, the portal for disaster-specific grant applications under ECAP will open by the end of the month, with funds expected to move out shortly after.
• 🤝 Discussions with states regarding block grant arrangements are ongoing, with $280 million already disbursed to Texas.

Local Foods for Schools Program

• 🏫 Senator Ossoff highlighted constituent testimonials praising the Local Foods for Schools (LFS) program for connecting Georgia schools with local farmers, providing fresh produce, and increasing farmer revenues.
• 🍎 Constituents from Dawson County School District, a family farm in Nashville, Georgia, Kolkquit County School Nutrition, and Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School nutrition all expressed positive impacts from the program.

Program Cancellation Justification

• ❓ Senator Ossoff directly asked Secretary Rollins why the Local Foods for Schools program was canceled.
• 📅 Secretary Rollins explained that the program was a COVID-era initiative and that the funds were not being spent quickly enough by the state of Georgia, citing significant remaining balances in the program's accounts.
• 💰 She argued that it was not a good use of taxpayer funds if the money was not being utilized, and promised to provide an economic justification for the cancellation to the committee.
• 🗣️ Senator Ossoff requested this economic justification, emphasizing the reliance of his constituents on the program.