ISBE: Trump Administration cancels funding that helps feed kids
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) says the Trump Administration on March 7 canceled funding to the Local Food for Schools and Child Care Cooperative Agreement that would have supported up to 4,017 Illinois public and nonpublic schools and 1,250 child care sites in purchasing 'high-quality, locally-grown, fresh food' from Illinois farmers to use in meals and snacks.
Officials say the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a termination notice to the ISBE for the grant program that would have provided $26.3 million to Illinois schools, child care sites and local farmers through 2028.
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'The decision to cancel this funding is deeply disappointing and a disservice to Illinois children, families, and farmers,' said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. 'These grants were designed to ensure that students in our schools and child care centers have access to fresh, locally-sourced food while also supporting our state's agricultural economy. This funding was essential to provide Illinois schools and child care sites with nutritious meals that fuel learning and growth.'
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The ISBE says the Local Food for Schools and Child Care Cooperative Agreement grant was the second round of funding for the Local Food for Schools program, expanded to allow for the participation of child care centers. ISBE signed its agreement for $26.3 million on January 30, but the funds will now never reach Illinois schools and farmers. Schools would have received approximately $17.8 million and child care institutions would have received approximately $8.5 million over the course of the next three years to purchase 'high-quality, fresh and nutritious' food from local farmers to use in the meals and snacks served to children.
Officials say Illinois' pre-existing Local Food for Schools grant totaling $7.4 million remains intact, and the funds are available to grantees through January 31, 2026. The existing grant has supported approximately 2,100 schools serving over 1 million students in purchasing locally-grown food from 138 different farms and ranches across the state.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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