USDA cuts over $1 billion in funding for schools to purchase local food

The US Department of Agriculture has cut two federal programs that spent over $1 billion annually to help schools and food banks buy food from local farms and ranches, according to a school group and a Politico report on Monday.

The School Nutrition Association, which represents cafeteria workers and directors nationwide, said in a press release that the USDA cut the $660 million Local Food for Schools program for 2025.

Politico, citing a spokesperson for the USDA, reported that the department also cut the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program, which would have funded around $500 million to support food banks in 2025.

Ending the programs is part of an aggressive effort by President Donald Trump's administration to sharply shrink the federal government and how much money it spends.

Farmers and food organizations across the US are cutting staff and halting investments as the USDA freezes other grants and programs, farmers and agricultural support groups have told Reuters.

Source: Reuters