The USDA has abruptly cancelled two major local food programs worth over $1 billion, impacting schools, food banks, and local farmers nationwide. These cuts affect the Local Food for Schools (LFS) and Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Cooperative Agreement Programs.

Key Impacts:

• Schools lose $660 million in funding for local food purchases
• Food banks lose crucial support for local food acquisition
• Local farmers lose reliable income streams
• Existing LFPA agreements with unspent funds will continue, but no new funding will be provided

The USDA justified the cancellation by stating these programs "no longer effectuate the goals of the agency." The programs were originally created under executive authority during the previous administration.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey criticized the decision, calling it an attack on school nutrition and local agriculture. Critics argue the timing is particularly challenging as food insecurity remains high and school meal costs continue to rise.

Immediate Effects:

• Schools may need to raise meal prices or find alternative funding
• Food banks must seek additional private donations
• Local farmers may need to cut production or sell at lower prices
• States and organizations must find new funding sources

The cancellation raises broader questions about U.S. food policy and federal support for local food initiatives. While major programs like SNAP continue, this shift suggests a move away from supporting small-scale, local food systems in favor of large-scale distribution networks.

Schools and organizations that have built relationships with local farmers now face uncertainty. The long-term impact will depend on whether alternative programs emerge to fill the funding gap and support local food systems.

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