Proposed federal budget cuts threaten free meals for 31,000 students

Funding cuts from the Trump administration are forcing the closure of two Feed the Future Innovation Labs at Kansas State University, resulting in the loss of support for hundreds of low-income students studying sustainable agriculture in developing nations. The labs, which were crucial for advancing environmentally-friendly farming techniques and aiding global food security, will shut down on April 12, affecting around 275 students from countries like Haiti and Ethiopia. In Hawaii, the University of Hawaii is facing potential job losses and program cuts due to new federal policies, with as many as 2,500 jobs at risk, impacting critical initiatives, including biomedical research. Additionally, the state's Department of Education warns that proposed changes to school impact fees could limit funding for new schools needed to accommodate growing student populations. These funding challenges underscore the broader implications of federal budget decisions on educational and agricultural programs across the nation. The situation highlights a pressing need for sustained investment in education and food security initiatives.