More than $1 billion in USDA funding aimed at supporting local farmers through school lunch programs and food banks has been canceled. This decision may widen the gap of food insecurity, especially for vulnerable groups like seniors and children. Lawmakers are now pushing for legislation to restore some of these critical funds.
In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Mike Manning is facing a tough situation. His organization, the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, typically relies on the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program to source fresh produce for around 55,000 residents. With the recent $2 million funding cut, he’s scrambling to find alternative methods to provide for those in need. “It’s a challenge,” he expressed, especially since much of the local agriculture focuses primarily on soybeans and corn, leaving fresh produce in short supply.
Food insecurity impacts over 11 million households in the U.S., often going unnoticed. As Manning puts it, “It’s not something that typically feels personal; you don’t always know someone facing it.” This highlights a critical issue—many people may not recognize how widespread food insecurity is.
In Louisiana, the numbers are alarming. The state has one of the highest rates of food insecurity. Farmers who had relied on federal funds are now in a bind. Ryan Betz of the National Farm to School Network notes that local farmers had planned based on expectations of continued funding. Many are now losing hope, with some claiming they can’t survive these cuts.
Schools are not immune to the effects of funding cuts. More than 90% of food-insecure households have children, and the lack of funding for school lunch programs threatens their access to nutritious meals. “School meals often serve as the primary source of nutrition for these kids,” says Alexis Bylander from the Food Research & Action Center. With over $600 million cut from school lunches, the nutritional value of these meals is at risk.
The situation is compounded by rising food prices. In fact, food costs have increased by nearly 3% between May 2024 and May 2025, outpacing inflation. This poses further challenges for schools attempting to manage tight meal budgets. Bylander emphasizes, “We need to support access to affordable and healthy food, not cut it.”
Fortunately, there’s some hope on the horizon. In mid-July, bipartisan support surfaced for a new bill, the Strengthening Local Food Security Act, designed to enhance purchasing from local farmers. Advocates claim it could create fresh opportunities for both farmers and communities.
Pennsylvania state Rep. Danilo Burgos has introduced the Keystone Fresh Act, which aims to ensure local schools can buy from nearby farms. This legislation has also gained bipartisan traction. Burgos highlights the importance of urban areas working alongside rural farmers, noting that the buying power from cities can significantly bolster local economies.
This ongoing issue illuminates the interconnectedness of food supply chains, community support, and the urgent need for equitable access to nutritious food. As these developments unfold, many are hoping for a renewed commitment to the programs that sustain both local farmers and those who rely on their produce.
