The U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared that SNAP benefits will not be distributed next month due to the ongoing government shutdown, now in its 21st day. This decision impacts 42 million Americans, including nearly 170,000 in Maine, who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for food assistance. While November benefits are paused, previously issued benefits remain usable, and applications for SNAP are still being accepted. For further assistance, individuals are encouraged to contact 211.
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The Trump administration has announced the discontinuation of the annual report on hunger in America, citing its “overly politicized” nature and inaccuracies. This decision follows President Trump’s signing of legislation that significantly reduced food aid. The USDA stated that the data collection methods were subjective and didn’t reflect the current positive economic indicators, such as lower poverty rates and increased wages. Critics argue that this move is intended to obscure the potential impact of food stamp cuts and make it harder to measure the prevalence of hunger.
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The USDA, during a period of budget cuts to school and food bank aid, spent over $16,000 on banners featuring former President Donald Trump and Abraham Lincoln. These banners were displayed outside the department’s Washington headquarters in May, coinciding with the USDA’s 163rd anniversary. The display occurred around the same time the USDA slashed $1 billion in funding from “pandemic-era” federal programs. According to a work order, the banners were printed and installed by Timsco Graphics, and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins celebrated the display as ushering in a “Golden Age for our farmers.”
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The USDA abruptly canceled the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program in April, which aimed to support farmers in implementing climate-friendly practices. The program, which had a $3 billion budget, awarded significant funds to Colorado ranchers and organizations like the Quivira Coalition to improve soil health. This unexpected cancellation has stalled planned expansions of regenerative agriculture efforts and created uncertainty for farmers who were relying on these grants. A replacement program, “Advancing Markets for Producers,” is in development but may offer less support and different requirements, leading to scaled-down initiatives.
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A large portrait of Donald Trump has been installed on the USDA headquarters, juxtaposed with a picture of Abraham Lincoln. This has drawn strong criticism, with many comparing the move to authoritarian regimes like North Korea and the Soviet Union due to its propagandistic nature. The placement next to Lincoln, a symbol of democracy, is particularly controversial. While the USDA claims the banner honors both Lincoln and Trump, critics also point to budget cuts under Trump’s administration as ironic.
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To celebrate its 163rd anniversary, the USDA displayed large banners of Presidents Trump and Lincoln on its building. The prominent placement of the Trump portrait, reminiscent of authoritarian regimes, sparked considerable online criticism, with many drawing comparisons to propagandistic imagery. Secretary Rollins, who recently implemented significant policy changes including rescinding DEI programs and workforce reductions, defended the display as celebrating Trump’s vision for the department. The timing coincides with a large-scale employee resignation program initiated by the Trump administration.
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The USDA, after offering over 15,000 employees paid leave in exchange for resignation, is now actively recruiting to fill critical positions. Secretary Rollins acknowledged that the process wasn’t perfect and that some employees who left may be invited back, despite initial claims that key positions weren’t included in the second round of departures. However, conflicting accounts exist regarding the participation of certain agencies, like APHIS, in the second round of the deferred resignation program. Rollins maintains that no APHIS employees participated, despite employee testimonies to the contrary. The USDA is addressing the situation and working to resolve the discrepancies.
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The USDA has withdrawn a proposed rule that would have mandated salmonella limits in poultry products, citing over 7,000 public comments. This decision reverses a Biden-era initiative aimed at reducing the 1.35 million annual salmonella infections, many foodborne, and approximately 420 associated deaths. Industry groups applauded the withdrawal, while advocates criticized the move as prioritizing industry concerns over public health. The USDA will now evaluate whether to update existing salmonella regulations.
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The Trump administration’s budget cuts led to the cancellation of 20 truckloads of food—approximately 500,000 pounds—destined for the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, impacting deliveries scheduled between April and July 2025. This resulted in a loss of roughly $1 million worth of food, including staples like milk, eggs, and meat. The cancellations stemmed from a broader USDA suspension of $500 million in funding for nationwide food bank programs, part of a review of Commodity Credit Corp. funding. While the USDA claims to continue TEFAP purchases, the food bank, already facing a state budget cut, emphasizes the significant impact on their ability to meet community needs.
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Feeding America West Michigan faces a critical shortage of 600,000 pounds of food due to the USDA’s cancellation of 32 scheduled truckloads from its Emergency Food Assistance Program. This $1.1 million loss, attributed to a federal review and program pause, exacerbates existing challenges, including potential reductions in food assistance eligibility and the food bank’s current 50% subsidization of federal programs. The food bank is actively seeking alternative sources, including farmers and donors, to ensure continued food distribution, though the food offered may differ from what was originally planned. The situation underscores the significant impact of federal budget cuts on food security.
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John Q. Hosedrinker