USDA Cancels $1.1 Billion in Local School Food Funding

The USDA canceled $1.1 billion in Local Food for Schools and Local Food Purchase Assistance grants, eliminating direct funding that had supported farm-to-school purchasing programs in 48 states. The cancellation voided contracts already signed with local farmers and food distributors. School nutrition directors in rural districts reported the cuts would force menu changes affecting 30 million children enrolled in federally subsidized school meal programs.