USDA Cuts $1B From Programs for Schools and Food Banks

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) cut $1 billion in spending by ending two programs that aid schools and food banks in purchasing from local farmers. 

The Details: The department cancelled about $660 million going to schools and childcare facilities through the Local Food for Schools (LFS) program. It also cancelled $500 million designated for the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program, which supports food banks. A USDA spokesperson said that “these programs, created under the former Administration via Executive authority, no longer effectuate the goals of the agency.”

For Context: Both programs began during the Biden administration. These buy-local programs allow schools and food banks to purchase food produced within the state or within 400 miles of their facilities.

How the Media Covered It: Politico (Lean Left) wrote that Biden’s administration intended these programs “to build a more resilient food supply chain that didn’t just rely on major food companies.” It went on to write that this move comes as school nutrition officials are “increasingly anxious” about affording healthy food for students. The Hill (Center) cited criticism from government officials, including Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA), who said “This will hurt Georgia kids and Georgia farmers.” Newsmax (Right) focused on the other ways President Donald Trump plans to support farmers. It quoted the White House deputy press secretary saying that the Trump administration “is making agencies more efficient, including to better serve farmers.”

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