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.

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.