USDA Ends $1 Billion in Local Food Funding for Schools and Food Banks

The cuts, part of Trump administration cost-saving measures, have raised concerns over food security for millions of students and families.

The USDA has terminated two programs that provided over $1 billion annually to schools and food banks for purchasing local food.
The Local Food for Schools program, which allocated $660 million for schools and childcare facilities, and the $500 million Local Food Purchase Assistance program for food banks, are being eliminated.
The cuts are part of broader federal spending reductions under President Trump's administration and Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency.
Advocacy groups warn that millions of children could lose access to free school meals, and local farmers and food producers will face financial losses.
Critics, including state officials and nonprofit organizations, argue that these cuts will exacerbate food insecurity and harm underserved communities.