USDA Cuts $21 Million from Local Food Programs, Impacting Farmers, Schools

Farmers in eastern Iowa and West Virginia are facing significant challenges due to recent federal funding cuts to programs aimed at supporting local food purchasing and food security initiatives. The USDA has cut $11 million from the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program and the Local Food for School Program, which are vital for connecting farmers with food banks and schools. These cuts are forcing farmers to rethink their investments and planning, as they previously relied on these funds for infrastructure improvements and purchasing agreements. Advocacy groups express concern about the long-term implications for food systems and farm viability, as schools will likely turn to cheaper food sources due to reduced funding. In West Virginia, farmers have reported devastating impacts from the cancellation of programs that provided critical support during the pandemic, further complicating their operations. The situation has ignited political activism among affected farmers, highlighting the broader consequences of federal budget decisions on local agriculture and food security.