The USDA is eliminating two programs totaling $1 billion in funding for schools and food banks to purchase food from local sources. This decision, attributed to a shift toward “fiscally responsible initiatives,” cancels $660 million for the Local Food for Schools program and $420 million for the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement. The funding cuts significantly impact schools already facing high food costs, forcing reductions in fresh produce and local sourcing. The termination affects numerous schools and farmers nationwide, jeopardizing both school nutrition and local economies.
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The USDA’s termination of funding for the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement will eliminate $11 million in funding for North Carolina food banks. This includes a $2 million loss for the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, jeopardizing the purchase of fresh produce directly from local farmers. The resulting economic impact on farmers and the increasing food insecurity in the 34 served counties are significant concerns. The food bank is now seeking state funding to offset this substantial loss.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture is eliminating two pandemic-era programs that provided over $1 billion to schools and food banks for local food purchases. This funding, totaling $660 million for schools and an unspecified amount for food banks, enabled initiatives like direct purchases from local farmers and fishermen, improving school meal quality and supporting local economies. The termination, attributed to the programs’ pandemic origins and shifting USDA priorities, is causing concern amongst school districts and food banks already facing budgetary constraints and rising food costs. Critics fear this signals further cuts to school nutrition programs, potentially impacting children’s access to reliable food sources.
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The Department of Agriculture has eliminated over $1 billion in funding for programs supporting schools and food banks’ purchases from local farmers. This includes a termination of $660 million for the Local Food for Schools program and $420 million for the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program. Multiple states have been notified of these cuts, attributed to a government efficiency initiative aimed at reducing federal spending. The decision is drawing sharp criticism for its negative impact on children, farmers, and underserved communities.
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Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced plans to restrict Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to healthier food options, aiming to curtail the use of food stamps on sugary drinks and junk food. This initiative, supported by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, will involve studying current SNAP spending and exploring ways to prioritize nutritious food purchases. The program, costing $112.8 billion annually, serves 42.1 million Americans, prompting concerns about efficient use of taxpayer funds. Existing bipartisan congressional proposals to study SNAP purchases and restrict unhealthy food purchases align with this new administration focus.
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Donald Trump’s return to power on January 20th necessitates continued robust reporting. HuffPost remains committed to providing fearless coverage of the new administration. However, unrestricted access to this critical information requires reader support to maintain a paywall-free model. Readers can contribute financially or simply create a free account to help sustain this vital public service.
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The resurgence of scurvy in France, particularly impacting poorer children, is a stark reminder of the deep inequalities within even wealthy nations. It’s a shocking development, highlighting how readily preventable diseases can reappear when basic needs aren’t met. The fact that this is happening in a country like France, not typically associated with widespread malnutrition, underscores the seriousness of the issue.
This isn’t an isolated incident; reports of increased scurvy and rickets are emerging from other developed nations like the UK and Canada. The common thread seems to be a growing food insecurity crisis, disproportionately affecting vulnerable families. While food banks exist, they are often overwhelmed by demand and lack the fresh, nutrient-rich food necessary to combat deficiencies like scurvy.… Continue reading
Save the Children’s analysis reveals that approximately 18.2 million children—35 per minute—were born into hunger in 2024, a 5% increase from the previous year. This rise is attributed to conflict and climate-driven crises, exacerbating existing food insecurity and resulting in an estimated 800,000 additional children experiencing hunger. The report highlights the stark contrast between this alarming statistic and the record-high wealth of global billionaires, suggesting a significant disparity in resource allocation. Eradicating global hunger is estimated to require a relatively small portion of billionaires’ collective wealth.
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The global water cycle is currently off balance for the first time in human history, with half the planet’s food production at risk. The repercussions of this imbalance are staggering, yet it seems that we are unable or unwilling to address the root causes of this crisis. As I scroll through various comments and opinions on this issue, it becomes clear that many are resigned to a future of water scarcity, food shortages, and potential conflicts over resources.
The fact that the wealthy and powerful seem insulated from the effects of this crisis only adds insult to injury. While the rest of us face the looming threat of food insecurity and water scarcity, the billionaires and corporations responsible for much of this environmental destruction continue to profit and thrive.… Continue reading
Trump and the word “weird” seem to go hand in hand, with him repeating it a whopping 22 times in just 36 seconds. It’s almost comical how fixated he is on not being seen as weird when his behavior often contradicts that. It’s reminiscent of how my grandmother, affected by dementia, would get stuck on words or phrases and repeat them endlessly. But in Trump’s case, it seems more like a desperate attempt to deflect from the truth.
The irony is palpable as Trump insists, “We’re not weird.” It’s like a child vehemently denying something they know to be true. The more he protests, the more suspicious it all seems.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood