The United States Department of Agriculture has halted two programs impacting food access to schools and other organizations, according to reports.
Politico reported Monday that the year’s Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program would have given schools and daycares $660 million to purchase from local farms and ranchers. A Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program was also reportedly cut, impacting food banks and feeding organizations.
The School Nutrition Association and other officials say a majority of states have participated in the local food program, Politico reported.
Politico says a USDA spokesperson confirmed that the funding was announced last year, but is “no longer available” and that the agreements “will be terminated.”
Local farmers tell ABC15 that they were told this week, along with everyone else who found out.
Agritopia Farm said a third of their revenue is from the federal program. Head Farmer Kelly Saxer told ABC15 they pack about 100 boxes a week to donate to food banks such as the United Food Bank. With produce already planted for the coming months, they’ll have to find a way to sell the produce they would’ve used for the program.
In the videos above, hear from farmers, food banks and school leaders about how these cuts will impact them.
The USDA sent ABC15 the following statement:
“As a pandemic-era program, LFPA will now be sunsetted at the end of the performance period, marking a return to long-term, fiscally responsible initiatives. This isn’t an abrupt shift—just last week, USDA released over half a billion in previously obligated funds for LFPA and LFS to fulfill existing commitments and support ongoing local food purchases.
With 16 robust nutrition programs in place, USDA remains focused on its core mission: strengthening food security, supporting agricultural markets, and ensuring access to nutritious food. Unlike the Biden Administration, which funneled billions in CCC funds into short-term programs with no plan for longevity, USDA is prioritizing stable, proven solutions that deliver lasting impact. The COVID era is over—USDA’s approach to nutrition programs will reflect that reality moving forward.”
