Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has expressed strong opposition to recent cuts in food-related funding for schools and food banks by the Trump White House. The programs, initially established under executive orders during Joe Biden’s presidency, have been terminated, affecting $12 million in funding for Massachusetts alone. The cuts are part of a broader reduction by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which has slashed over $1 billion in initiatives that supported local food purchases.
The USDA spokesperson clarified that the decision to eliminate these programs stems from the belief that they "no longer effectuate the goals of the agency." However, critics argue that these cuts undermine efforts to support children, farmers, and small businesses. Governor Healey has accused Trump and Elon Musk of withholding essential funding, stating that the decision "have declared that feeding children and supporting local farmers are no longer ‘priorities’."
The funding originally set aside included $1.13 billion announced by the USDA last December. The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program provided funds to local food banks and organizations, while $660 million was allocated through the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program, now eliminated. The USDA has unfrozen funds for existing agreements but has canceled any further financial support planned for fiscal year 2025.
Food banks are already grappling with increased demand due to rising food prices. Simultaneously, Republican lawmakers in Congress are pushing for significant cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap). The recent USDA cuts exacerbate these challenges, leaving organizations struggling to meet community needs.
The School Nutrition Association has voiced concerns following the announcement. Shannon Gleave, the association's president, warned that "These proposals would cause millions of children to lose access to free school meals at a time when working families are struggling with rising food costs." The elimination of the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program is expected to negatively impact schools and child care facilities.
State officials only learned of these funding cuts on Friday, adding urgency to their response. The decision aligns with Donald Trump's second presidential administration's broader strategy of reducing federal spending and imposing tariffs. These measures have strained food organizations and farmers, forcing some to cut staff and halt investments.