The U.S. Department of Agriculture has cut more than $1 billion in funding intended to help schools and food banks buy from local farmers, according to the School Nutrition Association. The nonprofit stated Tuesday that multiple states were recently informed of the cuts, which include the elimination of $660 million for the 2025 Local Food for Schools program. This program was designed to strengthen food supply chains for schools and childcare institutions by expanding local and regional markets, particularly for historically underserved producers and processors.
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education confirmed receiving a termination notice for a $12.2 million Local Food for Schools grant.
Governor Maura Healey criticized the move, attributing it to a government-wide spending reduction effort led by the Department of Government Efficiency. She accused Donald Trump and Elon Musk of deprioritizing child nutrition and local farming, calling the decision a harmful blow to families and businesses across the state.
Additionally, the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program, which supports food banks and underserved communities, has been affected. While existing agreements will continue to receive funds, a planned second round of funding for 2025 has been canceled, impacting an estimated $420 million in federal support. According to the USDA, these programs, established under the previous administration, no longer align with agency priorities.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker also condemned the cuts, stating that the USDA halted reimbursements for costs incurred after January 19, effectively shutting down the program in his state. The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program, which strengthens the middle of the food supply chain, has faced similar funding issues. Pritzker warned that withholding these funds harms not only farmers but also food-insecure communities that rely on fresh, nutritious donations.
Meanwhile, Congress is considering additional cuts to school meal programs, prompting the School Nutrition Association to call for public opposition. The organization emphasized that school meals are among the healthiest options for children and urged lawmakers to invest in these programs rather than reduce them.
Shannon Gleave, the group’s president, warned that millions of children could lose access to free school meals while school nutrition teams face increased administrative burdens and costs.
