USDA Cuts Funding for Local Food Programs
Background
The U.S. Agriculture Department has cut two federal programs that spent over $1 billion annually to help schools and food banks buy food from local farms and ranches, the agency has confirmed to Reuters.
The School Nutrition Association, which represents cafeteria workers and directors nationwide, said in a news release that the USDA cut the $660 million Local Food for Schools program for 2025.
The USDA said in an email that it had notified states, territories and tribes that the money for fiscal year 2025, “is no longer available and those agreements will be terminated following 60-day notification.”
It said the programs created under the previous administration “no longer effectuate the goals of the agency.
Breaking News
Program History
The USDA programs were instituted in 2021 by President Joe Biden’s administration. They were designed to help local food banks and schools purchase food from nearby farmers and suppliers.
“This program will strengthen the food system for schools and childcare institutions by helping to build a fair, competitive and resilient local food chain,” reads a statement still on the USDA website for the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program as of Tuesday.
More than 40 states signed up to participate in the programs during Biden’s administration. Several Republican-led states — including Utah, Iowa, South Carolina and Mississippi — praised the federal funding.
“The Utah State Board of Education is excited to expand markets for our state’s farmers and offer more nutritious, locally-produced foods to our students,” state superintendent Sydnee Dickson said in December 2022.
Reasons for Cuts
Ending the programs is part of an aggressive effort by the administration to sharply shrink the federal government and how much money it spends.
The move comes as the administration has imposed new tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico and China, sparking trade wars with the biggest buyers of U.S. farm products.
Farmers and food organizations across the U.S. are cutting staff and halting investments as the USDA freezes other grants and programs, farmers and agricultural support groups have told Reuters.
Impact
The cuts to the local food programs will likely have a significant impact on schools and food banks that rely on the funding to purchase fresh, locally-grown produce.
The programs have helped to support local farmers and ranchers, and have provided healthy food options to students and families in need.
Without the funding, many schools and food banks may struggle to find alternative sources of fresh, healthy food, which could lead to a decline in the quality of meals provided to students and families.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the USDA’s decision to cut funding for the local food programs is a significant blow to schools, food banks, and local farmers and ranchers.
The programs have provided many benefits, including supporting local agriculture, providing healthy food options, and promoting economic growth in rural communities.
It is essential for policymakers to reconsider the importance of these programs and work to find alternative solutions to support local food systems and ensure that all individuals have access to healthy, nutritious food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What programs were cut by the USDA?
A: The USDA cut two federal programs that spent over $1 billion annually to help schools and food banks buy food from local farms and ranches, including the $660 million Local Food for Schools program.
Q: Why were the programs cut?
A: The programs were cut as part of an effort to sharply shrink the federal government and how much money it spends.
Q: How will the cuts affect schools and food banks?
A: The cuts will likely have a significant impact on schools and food banks that rely on the funding to purchase fresh, locally-grown produce, and may lead to a decline in the quality of meals provided to students and families.
Q: What can be done to support local food systems?
A: Policymakers can work to find alternative solutions to support local food systems, such as providing funding for programs that support local agriculture and promote economic growth in rural communities.
