Image: Rep. Sharice Davids at Courage Farms speaking with local producers/Image courtesy Rep. Sharice Davids’ office

U.S. Representative Sharice Davids wrapped up a district-wide supply chain tour this week, visiting farms, food businesses, and grocery stores across Kansas’ Third District to highlight how investing in local agriculture can help lower grocery prices, strengthen the economy, and improve food access.

Rep. Davids’ tour included stops at Courage Farms in Fontana, the K-State Olathe kitchen incubator, and Franklin General Store in Shawnee. Along the way, she met with farmers, entrepreneurs, and producers who are building a more resilient local food system.

A stronger local supply chain, she emphasized, reduces grocery costs by cutting out middlemen, lowers transportation expenses, and keeps food fresher. It also helps small businesses grow and creates more local jobs — 13 jobs per $1 million in local food sales, compared to just three for non-local.

“When we invest in our local food systems, we’re not just supporting farmers and producers — we’re lowering costs at the checkout line, creating good-paying jobs, and making sure families in Kansas have access to fresh, healthy food,” said Rep. Davids. “I’ve heard from folks across the community who want more affordable options and more control over where their food comes from. Strengthening the local agriculture supply chain helps us do both. I’ll keep working to support the people who grow, raise, and sell food right here in Kansas.”

Davids has championed policies aimed at reducing grocery prices, including support for the bipartisan HPAI Act and the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act. She has also advocated for stricter enforcement against corporate price discrimination and conducted a series of Farm Bill listening sessions and business roundtables across the district.