When feeding kids is called “waste”: What parents need to know about the USDA’s school meal cuts
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it would cancel nearly $1 billion in funding for two federal programs.
By now, we’ve heard a lot about what some policymakers are calling “cutting waste” in government—but for many parents, the USDA’s latest budget decision feels less like responsible trimming and more like pulling the rug out from under families trying to make ends meet.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it would cancel nearly $1 billion in funding for two federal programs that helped schools and food banks buy fresh food from local farmers and producers, Reuters reported. The Local Food for Schools program and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement supported communities in at least 40 states, bringing locally sourced produce, meats, and dairy into school cafeterias and neighborhood food pantries. According to CBS News, the move is part of a shift toward what the agency calls “long-term, fiscally responsible initiatives.”
Let’s be clear: Moms don’t want government waste. We want smart policies that feed our kids well and support our communities. But feeding kids meals that nourish their growing brains and bodies isn’t waste—it’s one of the best investments we can make in our children’s well-being and our country’s future.
Related: 32% of families struggle to afford school lunches, report finds
School nutrition directors are already sounding the alarm. Patti Bilbrey, who oversees food services in Arizona’s Scottsdale Unified School District, told CBS the district’s $100,000 in lost funding means fewer fresh fruits and vegetables on lunch trays—and fewer opportunities to support local farmers. “It wasn’t just about keeping food costs low,” she said. “It meant supporting your community and your local farmers in your state.”
For parents already navigating high grocery bills and the mental math of lunch packing, this change could feel like yet another burden on the household load. And for low-income families who rely on schools and food banks for daily meals, the loss is even greater.
So what can parents do now?
Related: I’m a nutritionist: Here’s what I pack in my kids’ school lunches
If you or someone you know needs help accessing food, here are a few places to start:
- Check your school district’s nutrition services website. Some districts offer free or reduced-price meals beyond what’s federally funded.
- Contact your local food bank. You can find a nearby food pantry through Feeding America’s locator tool.
- Apply for WIC or SNAP benefits. If your family qualifies, these programs can help bridge the gap. Learn more and apply at Benefits.gov.
- Ask your child’s school about weekend meal programs. Many communities offer “backpack” programs that send kids home with food for the weekend or longer breaks.
This funding cut isn’t just about dollars—it’s about values. And at a time when so many families are doing their best to raise healthy, thriving kids, cutting back on fresh food access makes that job even harder.
Investing in school meals is investing in the next generation. And parents? We see the value in that, even when policymakers don’t.
Related: 10 key foods to build your baby’s brain development
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