Trump Administration Cuts $21 Million in School and Food Bank Funding to Support Arizona Farmers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made headlines by cancelling approximately $1 billion in previously allocated funds for local food purchases intended for schools and food banks across the country, as reported by Politico. This decision impacts programs designed to bolster local agricultural economies and improve access to nutritious food for vulnerable populations.

The Local Food for Schools program was crafted to empower states to procure food from nearby farmers and distribute it to educational institutions and childcare programs. Similarly, the Local Food Purchase Assistance program aimed to facilitate the purchase of locally produced food for state food banks.

Arizona was set to receive around $13.1 million in fiscal year 2025 for school food purchases and an additional $8.1 million for food banks; however, these funds have now been rescinded. The programs were originally established during the Biden administration to support the agriculture sector during the supply chain challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In September 2023, Arizona secured awards from both programs. “We look forward to connecting local farmers and food producers with the Arizona Food Bank Network and Pinnacle Prevention,” stated Angie Rodgers, then-Director of the Arizona Department of Economic Security. This collaboration aimed to assist underserved families while stimulating the local economy.

USDA data indicated that 392 farmers and food producers in Arizona participated in the Local Food Purchase Assistance program. The cancellation means these producers must seek alternative markets, losing out on critical revenue. Notably, over $4.8 million was designated for farmers growing produce.

Brett Bezio, a spokesman for the Department of Economic Security, reported that the USDA had not communicated directly with Arizona regarding the cancellation. Although agreements for the $8 million had yet to be finalized, these funds were intended for local food procurement through partnerships with community organizations.

In light of the funding loss, Bezio mentioned that partners are pausing purchases to strategize the best use of the remaining $15 million allocated under the existing Local Food Purchase Assistance funding through March 2026.

The Arizona Department of Education’s initiative, “Try it Local: Arizona’s Local Food for Schools Program,” was designed to enhance child nutrition through the sourcing of local foods. Superintendent Tom Horne has championed healthy eating initiatives, aiming to replace unhealthy options in schools with nutritious, locally sourced alternatives.

Doug Nick, a spokesman for the state Department of Education, conveyed that the agency is currently evaluating the implications of the funding cuts. Horne remains committed to integrating locally grown and minimally processed foods into school menus, emphasizing their importance for student health.

Calls for action echo throughout the educational community, with Shannon Gleave, president of the School Nutrition Association, urging Congress to prioritize school meal funding. “These proposals would cause millions of children to lose access to free school meals at a time when working families are struggling,” she said.

Adding to the complexities of this situation, Republican lawmakers in Congress are proposing significant cuts to school meal funding, raising concerns among advocates who argue that access to nutrition is crucial for student success amid rising food costs.

Minnesota Reformer reporter Christopher Ingraham contributed to this report.