Commissioner Simpson and President Albritton Launch Statewide Farmers Feeding Florida Initiative
Farmers Feeding Florida utilizes Feeding Florida network to connect farmers and producers with families facing food insecurity
Tampa–Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Senate President Ben Albritton (R-Wauchula), and Senate President Pro Tempore Jason Brodeur (R-Sanford) today joined Feeding Tampa Bay leadership, Feeding Florida Network Board Members, local Dairy farmers and processors, and representatives from various sectors of Florida’s iconic agriculture industry for the launch of Florida’s statewide Farmers Feeding Florida initiative.
Spearheaded by Commissioner Simpson in partnership with the Feeding Florida Network, the Farmers Feeding Florida initiative is a priority of President Albritton, sponsored in the Senate by President Pro Tempore Brodeur. The initiative expands Florida’s food bank infrastructure and links fresh food products grown or produced by Florida farmers to local food banks throughout the state.
“As students across Florida head back to school this week, fresh, wholesome, real food is top of mind for growing families. We know that for some, food insecurity comes along suddenly, after an illness, injury or job loss results in lost income. For others, it’s a constant struggle to make ends meet. Florida’s robust network of food banks and food pantries exists to support families whenever and wherever the need arises. Through Farmers Feeding Florida, we are connecting Florida’s farmers and ranchers directly with local distribution channels to make certain our food banks and pantries are stocked with the healthy food families are looking for,” said Commissioner Simpson.
“I struggle with the fact that any child in Florida would have to go to bed night after night, hungry. It’s overwhelming to see so many partners here today who are running to the fight to connect hungry families across our state with Florida farmers who produce fresh, nourishing food,” said President Albritton. “We will continue to be laser-focused on solving food insecurity in Florida. No matter how prosperous our state is, unexpected and unplanned things happen that can cause food insecurity for families. Florida does a lot to help struggling folks back onto their feet and food is a major part of that effort. As I travel the state, attacking food insecurity unites Floridians like nothing else can. Food matters.”
Earlier in the day, the group joined Dale McClellan of M&B Dairy for a tour of the farm’s processing facility in Temple Terrace. Mr. McClellan is one of several dairy farmers and producers partnering with the state to bring fresh, local milk and other dairy products to families in need. Since funding became available on July 1, the Feeding Florida Network has rescued more than 169, 500 gallons of milk from local farmers and made it available for statewide distribution to Florida's families in need.
“It was an honor to see Mr. McClellan’s operation earlier today. Like many other commodities, the distribution, purchase and consumption of milk and other dairy products is time sensitive. We don’t want to see any fresh food go to waste, especially when it could be used by a struggling family or senior,” said President Pro Tempore Brodeur, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government. “Linking Florida farmers with our food bank distribution channels and expanding our food bank and pantry infrastructure will help wholesome food and dairy products reach Floridians in need quickly and efficiently.”
“We are extremely grateful to State Leadership for supporting the Farmers Feeding Florida initiative to deliver the bounty from Florida’s hardworking farmers to families who are struggling. Providing nutritious, fresh food is often the first step towards a stability for families facing crisis but it also has the power to create healthy habits and change health outcomes, lowering healthcare costs” said Robin Safley, Chief Executive Officer of Feeding Florida. “This partnership doesn’t just provide food—it strengthens local economies, ensures farmers can continue producing, and prevents food waste. We are kicking off today with fresh milk and dairy items, and will continue this year sourcing seasonal fruits and vegetables, nutritious Florida-grown beef, aquaculture products, and even eggs and peanut butter. Farmers Feeding Florida working with Florida’s Agriculture will help keep Florida’s food banks and food pantries stocked with fresh, wholesome foods, turning moments of hardship into opportunities for resilience and recovery for Florida families.”
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About Farmers Feeding Florida
SB 2500, Florida’s 2025-2026 state budget, appropriated funding to increase the availability of fresh food products for Floridians facing food insecurity. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) works with food bank partners who manage a statewide commodities reimbursement and distribution program. All food commodities distributed through the initiative must be fresh food products grown or produced in Florida. Food bank partners purchase, transport, and distribute the fresh food products to help Floridians who are food insecure due to lack of local food resources, accessibility, and affordability.
Additionally, the budget includes funding to expand Florida’s food bank and food pantry infrastructure. DACS is working with Feeding Florida to identify underserved areas, with a focus on rural areas of Florida. Funding will be used to equip new locations, expand distribution routes, purchase transportation equipment, or provide necessary training to onboard pantry staff.
About Feeding Florida
Feeding Florida is Florida’s statewide network of food banks. The network unites 9-member food banks that provide a healthy and consistent food supply to communities throughout the state. Feeding Florida member food banks support more than 2,400 local charitable agencies, in every county to distribute more than 438 million pounds of food to individuals and families in need. Feeding Florida’s member food banks, who are also Feeding America members, include: All Faiths Food Bank, Feeding Northeast Florida, Feeding South Florida, Feeding Tampa Bay, Feeding the Gulf Coast, Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Second Harvest of the Big Bend, and Treasure Coast Food Bank.
About Feeding Tampa Bay
Feeding Tampa Bay is redefining what it means to feed our region, knowing food alone will not solve hunger. By creating pathways to possibilities for nearly 1 million people, Feeding Tampa Bay connects and convenes solutions, partners and resources that nourish long-term stability. As a member of the Feeding America network, they work to dismantle barriers for individuals, families and seniors across West Central Florida. Feeding Tampa Bay — It’s possible.
This release was originally sent by the office of Senate President Ben Albritton on August 14, 2025. Release available here>>