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last mo.

USDA Cuts Over $1 Billion in School and Food Bank Nutrition Programs

The Trump administration slashes funding for local food initiatives, impacting schools, food banks, and farmers nationwide.

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Stock image of two women serving food to a boy in a school cafeteria queue.
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Overview

  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture has eliminated two programs that provided over $1 billion to schools and food banks for purchasing food from local farms.
  • The cuts include $660 million from the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program, which supported schools and childcare facilities, and $500 million from a program assisting food banks.
  • These funding reductions come as part of President Donald Trump's broader efforts to reduce federal spending and shrink government programs.
  • Critics argue the cuts will harm children, farmers, and rural economies, especially as food prices rise and food insecurity persists in many households.
  • The USDA stated the programs, created during Joe Biden's presidency, no longer align with the agency's goals, while existing agreements will continue to use remaining funds.