How Federal Food Program Cuts Are Impacting Local Farms and Schools: Uncovering the Consequences

LISBON — Keena Tracy, who runs Little Ridge Farm, felt optimistic when her farm began supplying fresh vegetables to local schools. During the pandemic, a federal program called Local Foods for Schools made it easier for schools in Lisbon to buy local produce. It helped schools feel confident about spending money on fresh food. Tracy said, “We were building relationships. Money was always an issue, but this program helped change that.”

However, this initiative has now been discontinued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), cutting off $2.78 million in federal funding for Maine over the next three years. This sudden decision has left local farms worried about their income. Many, like Tracy’s farm, were expecting to sell more produce to schools and expand their offerings, such as cherry tomatoes and sweet peppers tailored for students.

Last year, the Lisbon school district received over $8,300 through the program, and they anticipated that this would increase with additional funding. Nutrition Director Allison Leavitt expressed her concern, suggesting that while schools can still buy local produce, their purchases will likely decrease. The loss of the program complicates other grants that require schools to buy local foods, making budgeting more challenging.

Auburn Schools face similar issues, with Nutrition Director Chris Piercey estimating they would have benefited from around $50,000 throughout the next three years due to the program. Local farms like Caldwell Farm in Turner, which supplies ground beef, are feeling the impact too. Farmer Deidra Caldwell mentioned that raising prices and selling off equity to meet bills has become her reality as local farming faces increasing challenges.

Tracy points out that the end of the program also affects students’ education about food. Farming is often overlooked, and kids in her community may not even realize there are local job opportunities in agriculture. “Kids don’t even know what 4H is, which is a shame because agriculture is important here,” said Matt Thurston of Jade’s Homegrown Goods.

In addition to the financial pressures, local farms contribute to a healthy food culture in schools. Fresh produce that is grown nearby is usually tastier and healthier than mass-produced items. Caldwell emphasizes that children who learn to value local food are more likely to continue those habits as adults.

To help offset some losses, schools can still use Maine’s Local Foods Fund, which offers partial reimbursements for local purchases. In the current school year, 63 districts have claimed over $131,000 through this fund, investing almost $400,000 in local produce. However, some farmers remain concerned about sustainability as school purchases drop.

Tracy is adapting by boosting her Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, encouraging customers to subscribe and share in both the risks and rewards of farming. “We’re trying to get more CSA customers to take some pressure off if schools start buying less,” she explained.

In these uncertain times, the future of local farming and school nutrition programs remains intertwined. Discussions around why buying local is essential are now more critical than ever, not just for farmers’ livelihoods but for the health of children in the community. Awareness is key; if kids connect with their food sources, they are more likely to make better food choices going forward and, perhaps, consider farming as a career. Investing in local farms today is an investment in healthier, more informed future generations.



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