What a West Virginia farmer thinks of proposed Strengthening Local Food Security Act

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) — On Tuesday, Senator Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) and Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.) introduced a new piece of legislation that looks to connect local food suppliers with the communities that need them the most.

The proposed bipartisan legislation is called the Strengthening Local Food Security Act. Justice believes that if implemented as law, grants could help provide local governments with funding to bridge the gap between farmers and those facing food insecurity.

This would bring fresh, locally sourced foods to schools and food banks.

Andy Crihfield, a farmer who sells his produce every day at the Capitol Market in Charleston, said that this piece of proposed legislation reminds him of his roots.

“My dad started this business over 50 years ago,” Crihfield said. “And he actually, when he first started, went door to door inside the communities, and that’s how he got his start selling produce.”

Crihfield said that, if passed, this legislation would provide benefits for everyone.

“It’s huge,” Crihfield said. “Any time that we can get local support for local farmers, where we’re bringing fresh products in every day and providing that and providing a great service for our community.”

Crihfield said that they already do give back to their community by donating produce they don’t sell to local shelters. He thinks this proposal could help bring some financial security to farmers like himself who are already working to help those who need it the most.

“Anytime we can get extra money like that, you know, especially with a year like this where it’s been so wet and so hot, we’ve had a lot of crop failures this year,” Crihfield said. “And I mean it really that to be honest for us, you know, it’s kind of like winning the lottery.”