USDA Cuts Funding for Kansas School Lunch Programs, Leaving Schools and Farmers in Limbo
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the termination of two key programs—the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS) and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA)—resulting in over $1 billion in federal spending cuts. These programs enabled schools and food banks to procure food directly from local farms and producers, fostering community-based food systems and ensuring fresh, nutritious meals for students and those in need. (Politico)
A Direct Hit to Kansas Schools and Food Banks
In Kansas, the impact of these cuts is particularly pronounced. Harvesters Community Food Network, serving 27 counties across the Kansas City metro area, had been receiving approximately $1 million per funding round through the LFPA program. This funding allowed Harvesters to source produce, dairy, and proteins directly from local farmers, including startups and disadvantaged producers.
“This was really a lifeline program… to help give them a distant source of funding,” said Stephen Davis, CEO and President of Harvesters. The sudden termination of the program has left food banks scrambling to find alternative sources of funding to sustain their operations. (KSHB)
Devastating Consequences for Farmers
The cessation of these programs threatens to upend progress made in strengthening local food systems. Chris Schwartz, Executive Director of the Iowa Food System Coalition, highlighted the broader implications: “This is the kind of stuff that sends farms into foreclosure… people lose their homes over.” Farmers who had planned their production schedules around these programs now face significant uncertainty. (KCUR)
USDA’s Justification and Public Backlash
The USDA justified the cuts by stating that these pandemic-era programs “no longer effectuate the goals of the agency.” However, this decision has drawn criticism from various quarters. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey condemned the move, emphasizing its detrimental impact on families and farmers. (Politico)
Additionally, anti-hunger and school nutrition groups have voiced concerns, noting that the cancellation could deprive millions of students of free meals and complicate food affordability for schools amid rising food costs. (The Telegraph)
Searching for Solutions
As Kansas communities grapple with these funding cuts, organizations like Harvesters are seeking alternative solutions to continue supporting local farmers and providing nutritious food to those in need. The broader agricultural sector is also advocating for the reauthorization of the Farm Bill, a critical piece of legislation that impacts various agricultural and nutrition programs nationwide. (Food & Wine)
With the elimination of these programs, Kansas schools and food banks face an uncertain future. Without federal support, the burden of ensuring access to fresh, healthy food will shift to state and local initiatives—leaving advocates and policymakers scrambling to address the fallout.
