RELEASE: Gottheimer Fights to Protect School Meals, Feed Jersey Kids, and Support Local Farmers

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, April 30, 2026, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) pushed to ensure North Jersey communities, farmers, and families — especially children who rely on school meals — aren’t left behind in the Farm Bill. He championed commonsense amendments to expand access, cut delays, and strengthen programs that help feed kids with fresh, local food, but they were excluded due to partisan politics. Gottheimer is a long-time champion of free school meals for hard-pressed Jersey children. 

Gottheimer’s proposed amendments included:

• Expand “Rural” Access to Funding: Raise the outdated USDA population cap from 20,000 to 50,000 so more North Jersey towns can qualify for broadband and infrastructure funding to help improve schools, hospitals, and essential services in underserved communities.
• Fix Delays for Farmers (FSA Hiring): End the Farm Service Agency hiring freeze to fully staff local offices, speed up loan processing, and ensure farmers — especially new and underserved producers — can access critical support.
• Restore Funding to Feed Kids and Families: Reinstate more than $1 billion for the Local Food for Schools and Local Food Purchase Assistance programs, which connect local farmers to schools and food banks — delivering fresh, nutritious meals to children while supporting Jersey agriculture through 2031.

“These efforts are about making government work better — cutting red tape, supporting our farmers, and ensuring Jersey families and kids get the food and support they need,” Gottheimer said.

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