USDA cuts two food programs dealing with school meals and food pantries. Louisiana impacts

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has canceled approximately $1 billion in food purchasing from local farmers for schools and food banks.

Around $660 million that would go towards schools and child care facilities purchasing food from local farms through USDA's Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program has been canceled, according to the School Nutrition Association.

The USDA has also canceled its Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program, which would have provided funding for state, tribal and territorial governments to purchase food produced within 400 miles of the delivery destination in order to support local, regional and underserved producers, according to the USDA.

USDA cuts Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program and Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program

Over 40 states previously signed agreements to participate in the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program, and state officials were notified on Friday, March 7, of the USDA's decision to end this program, Politico reported.

The USDA also notified states that it was unfreezing funds for existing Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program agreements, however, the agency does not plan to proceed with a second round of funding for the 2025 fiscal year, Politico also reported.

Both of these programs were introduced in response to the effects on the food supply chain during the Covid-19 pandemic and, at the end of 2024, through the two programs, food was distributed to 7,900 food banks, food pantries and communities throughout the U.S., USA Today reported.

The cutting of these two USDA programs comes during the Trump Administration's efforts to purge federal spending.

Will Louisiana be affected by USDA cutting these two programs?

Louisiana, like many other states, could be affected by USDA cutting its food programs, especially the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program.

Without the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program, school meal programs in Louisiana could be disrupted, which could lead to difficulties in maintaining current meal programs and meeting federal nutrition standards.

Without the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program, food bank operations could be reduced and food assistance programs may be forced to be cut.

Additionally, the loss of USDA funding could impact local farmers and ranchers who supply food to schools and food banks.

Cuts to USDA programs could also lead to the exacerbation of food insecurity in Louisiana, specifically for low-income families and children who rely on these programs.

Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com