In a move that has caused significant consternation among advocates for local agriculture and food security, the Trump administration has axed $21 million in funding for Arizona programs designed to support schools and food banks in purchasing locally grown food. According to Phoenix New Times, this cancellation is part of a broader slashing of approximately $1 billion in previously promised USDA spending.
The two programs — Local Food for Schools and Local Food Purchase Assistance — were originally introduced under Biden's tenure to help mitigate supply chain issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mirror detailed. These cuts mean Arizona will forfeit about $13.1 million for school food purchases and $8.1 million intended for food banks, as per Phoenix New Times. These funds were to be instrumental in providing locally sourced produce to educational institutions and hunger relief organizations. In total, 392 Arizona farmers and food producers partook in the paneled LFPA program, now facing the challenge of discovering alternative markets for their harvest.
Expressing anticipation for bolstering community ties, former Arizona Department of Economic Security Director Angie Rodgers reflected, "We look forward to connecting local farmers and food producers with the Arizona Food Bank Network and Pinnacle Prevention," as stated by AZMirror. The USDA had not notified Arizona officials about the program's cancellation when Arizona Mirror inquired, leaving strategies for the remaining $15 million in LFPA funding which is slated to last through March 2026, uncertain.
Amplifying the sentiment of those dependent on such funding, Shannon Gleave, president of the School Nutrition Association, implored lawmakers to "invest in underfunded school meal programs rather than cut services critical to student achievement and health," in a statement obtained by AZMirror.
