WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey on Thursday called for changes to the federal Farm Bill aimed at expanding access to school meals, supporting local farmers and increasing funding for underserved communities, though his proposals were not included in the legislation.
Gottheimer, a Democrat representing New Jersey’s 5th District, said his amendments sought to improve programs that connect local agriculture to schools and help provide meals to children, particularly those who rely on school food programs.
Among the proposals, Gottheimer pushed to raise the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s population cap for “rural” funding eligibility from 20,000 to 50,000 residents, a move he said would allow more North Jersey communities to qualify for broadband and infrastructure support.
He also called for ending a hiring freeze at the Farm Service Agency to speed up loan processing and improve access to assistance for farmers, including new and underserved producers.
Another proposal aimed to restore more than $1 billion in funding for the Local Food for Schools and Local Food Purchase Assistance programs, which help supply fresh, locally sourced food to schools and food banks.
Gottheimer said the measures were intended to streamline government processes while addressing food access and agricultural needs.
“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.
Gottheimer has previously advocated for expanding access to free school meals for children in New Jersey.
