Martin, Tenn.–The Northwest Tennessee Local Food Network announced yesterday that the USDA has axed two programs that gave schools and food banks money to provide fresh produce from local farms for schools, children and families. It halts more than $1 billion in federal spending.
Roughly $660 million that schools and child care facilities were counting on to purchase food from nearby farms through the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program in 2025 has been canceled, according to the School Nutrition Association.
The announcement from NWTN Food Network states, “It is with a heavy heart to share that the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service has officially terminated the second round of the Local Food for Schools and Child Care (LFSCC) program, effective May 6. This program was set to provide $660 million to states over the next three years, ensuring schools and child care sites could purchase fresh, local food from American farmers and ranchers.
“This decision is a devastating loss for our entire region – schools, farmers and most of all – our children. This is a tragedy for not only Tennessee local food producers, schools, child care providers, and families but for all across the nation.”
They ask the public to “Please Contact Congress:
U.S. House of Representatives: * Telephone: 202-225-3121
U.S. Senate: * Telephone: 202-224-3121″