logo
How federal funding cuts are impacting Chicagoland food banks, farmers

How federal funding cuts are impacting Chicagoland food banks, farmers

Yahoo15-03-2025

CHICAGO (WGN) — The Illinois Department of Agriculture this week ended two food programs in the state due to funding cuts at the US Department of Agriculture, and the impact is already being felt by farmers, food banks and businesses.
Halted are the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program and the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program, according to a state news release.
'We're really worried about our ability to continue distributing all the food throughout our network to make sure we're meeting the need in our community,' said Hillary Caron, a policy advisor with the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
The Illinois programs were funded by the USDA's Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program. The programs provided more than $1 billion in funding to schools and food banks to buy directly from local farms, ranchers and producers. Both were canceled earlier this month because they 'no longer effectuate the goals of the agency,' the USDA said in a statement to WGN's partners at The Hill.
USDA halts more than $1B in funding for local food banks, schools
A multi-year agreement approved the state to distribute $43 million. Currently, $17.8 million remains outstanding from the federal government.
'We had about $400,000 in purchases from nine farms that we are not able to continue with now,' Caron said.
The Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency service — DOGE — claim the federal cuts in funding are to reduce government waste, but these cuts, opponents argue, could have a devastating effect.
'I think what they didn't realize with the funding, with these cuts that it just did not affect the individual that received them,' said Zeolon Rohwedder, president of the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Illinois, which works to mobilize military veterans to feed America.
Rohwedder said that one of their farmers based in Chicago had five pantries to which they were providing food, but that's been scaled back to due as a consequence of the cuts.
'Those particular pantries have lost fresh products produced by people here in Chicago, for people in Chicago,' he said.
In south suburban Monee, farmer Josh Snedden signed a contract with the USDA for a new solar system he installed in December. As he hopes to expand his operation, he says its now an added stressor and one of several grants to which he applied.
'These are not new dollars. These are contracts, these are commitments that were made by the US Government,' he said.
A recent report says cutbacks to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — SNAP — could cost local economies billions each year.
'What we're seeing now is bad enough, and Congress is already considering cutting SNAP, and that provides nine meals for every one food pantries provide,' Caron explained.
The USDA informed Illinois that it stopped reimbursements for any costs incurred by the programs after Jan 19. 2025, according to the state news release. All claims submitted after that date are being returned without explanation or timeline for reimbursement to resume.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Soothing farm groups' MAHA tensions
Soothing farm groups' MAHA tensions

Politico

time2 hours ago

  • Politico

Soothing farm groups' MAHA tensions

QUICK FIX — White House officials are meeting with farm groups after weeks of backlash to a Make America Healthy Again Commission report that targeted pesticides. — Employees who left USDA will be allowed to come back to help fight fires this summer. — The Senate is looking to unveil a scaled-back version of the House GOP-led reconciliation agriculture plans this week. HAPPY MONDAY, JUNE 9. Welcome to Morning Agriculture. I'm your host Grace Yarrow. Send tips to gyarrow@ Follow us at @Morning_Ag for more. Want to receive this newsletter every weekday? Subscribe to POLITICO Pro. You'll also receive daily policy news and other intelligence you need to act on the day's biggest stories. Driving the day HEALING MAHA WOUNDS: The White House is setting up meetings this week to discuss farm groups' concerns with a recent Make America Healthy Again report that targeted pesticides, according to two people familiar with the plans. Officials will meet with several groups at a time across the commodity, food manufacturing and pesticide industries for hour-long conversations, said the people, who were granted anonymity to share further details. The meeting invitations come after farm groups spent the last few weeks aggressively lobbying the Trump administration to open up public comment and gather industry input privately before releasing its final list of MAHA policy recommendations, which is due in August. One agriculture industry insider, granted anonymity so they could candidly share their thoughts, said that it's 'not clear' how this effort will influence the final recommendations. 'We're all very interested to see how these meetings play out over the next week and if it is a meaningful gesture or not,' the person said. 'Is this just an exercise in placating stakeholders?' How we got here: Groups that have kept quiet in the face of President Donald Trump's tariff plans and funding cuts drew the line at supporting HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s MAHA Commission report, which targets the use of glyphosate and atrazine, according to industry representatives and former and current administration officials, granted anonymity to discuss the behind-the-scenes tensions. The initial report, which came out in May, only briefly mentions that glyphosate and atrazine — two of the most widely used herbicides — could lead to adverse health impacts, and it notes that federal reviews of data have not established a direct link. But groups are nevertheless worried that the report could create the impression that U.S.-produced food products aren't safe. 'American agriculture does not feel sufficiently protected against government mandates that would outlaw chemicals they need,' said one agriculture advocate granted anonymity to share concerns about the administration's work. 'How do we know that the nanny-state side of RFK Jr.'s agenda isn't going to show itself?' The White House didn't respond to a request for comment about the meetings, but spokesperson Kush Desai said in a statement earlier Friday that the MAHA Commission will 'continue to engage with stakeholders' as it drafts next steps. 'President Trump's initiative to Make America Healthy Again is a bottom-up movement, with stakeholders across the board — including farmers, everyday parents, local governments, and family physicians — having a role to play,' Desai said. A former Biden administration official, granted anonymity to discuss the private lobbying efforts, said farmers 'basically instinctively trust Trump' on tariff and other agricultural policies, but don't have the same belief in Kennedy. 'They think [Trump] has a master plan and that ultimately it will all work out,' the person said. 'That is not the feeling about this report.' Read more from your host here. AROUND THE AGENCIES SMOKEY BEAR BACKUP: Forest Service employees who accepted President Donald Trump's offer to resign will still be allowed to take on wildfire assignments this summer, according to a new agency memo obtained by our Jordan Wolman. The announcement comes as the U.S. barrels toward fire season and as officials around the country worry about the Forest Service's ability to staff response efforts now that thousands of employees have been fired from or have quit their posts under the Trump administration. More details: The option to return to fire assignments is targeted at employees who held some wildland-fighting qualifications, known as 'red cards.' Interested workers can register for fire assignments through Sept. 30, the expiration date for their administrative leave under the deferred resignation program, according to the memo. 'Many employees enrolled in the Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) expressed willingness to perform critical wildfire operations before their employment term ends,' the memo said. Forest Service and USDA officials worked to 'develop a solution that will allow employees on administrative leave to temporarily return to active service.' The memo outlines procedures for these workers to follow, including a call to bring their personal devices and computers 'to operate self-sufficiently' and to ensure dispatch centers have their personal contact information. The workers will be able to expense any flights, hotels or rental cars necessary for their fire assignments with proper approvals. 'Secretary [Brooke] Rollins has made it a top priority for the Department to ensure the entire agency is geared to respond to what is already an above normal summer fire season,' USDA spokesperson Alec Varsamis said in a statement when asked for further details. On The Hill LATEST IN SNAP CLASHES: The Senate Ag Committee is looking to release plans for their version of agriculture spending cuts to pay for farm bill programs and Republicans' policy megabill. They're looking to hit $150 billion in net cuts, and will need $220 billion in spending slashes to pay for $70 billion in farm bill programs. Several senators have privately raised concerns with the House's proposal to cut federal spending by forcing states to foot more of the bill for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Also this week: The Senate will vote to proceed with the confirmation process for Stephen Vaden to be deputy secretary at USDA. TRADE CORNER VIETNAM'S AG DEALS: Vietnam's agriculture officials announced plans to buy $3 billion in U.S. agricultural products after meeting with American ag leaders last week, which could give producers up to a 23 percent boost in exports to the Southeast Asian country. Do Duc Duy, Vietnam's minister of agriculture and environment, led a delegation of 50 ag agencies and organizations to Iowa, Ohio, Maryland and Washington, D.C., last week. Stepping back: Rollins is scheduled to visit Vietnam in the coming months on one of her overseas trade missions. Ag groups and lobbyists are especially watching her meetings in Vietnam and India, hoping for more opportunities in the two countries for high-value products like meat and ethanol. The U.S. had a $123.5 billion trade deficit with Vietnam in 2024. U.S. goods exported to Vietnam last year were valued at $13.1 billion. NEXT UP: The U.S. and China will hold their next round of trade talks in London on Monday as the two countries attempt to lower tensions and chart a path toward a trade deal, our Daniel Desrochers writes. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will meet with their Chinese counterpart, Vice Premier He Lifeng, Trump said Friday in a post on Truth Social. Row Crops — Eggs linked to a salmonella outbreak have made dozens of people sick in seven states in the West and Midwest. (The Associated Press) — Archaeologists in northern Michigan have uncovered what is likely the largest intact remains of an ancient Native American agricultural site in the eastern half of the U.S. (NPR) — ICYMI: Some Senate Republicans are angling to have their states reap benefits from Rollins' plan to spread more department employees across the country, our Samuel Benson reports. THAT'S ALL FOR MA! Drop us a line and send us your agriculture job announcements or events: gyarrow@ marciabrown@ jwolman@ sbenson@ rdugyala@ and gmott@

SNAP Benefit Theft Explodes Across US
SNAP Benefit Theft Explodes Across US

Newsweek

time2 hours ago

  • Newsweek

SNAP Benefit Theft Explodes Across US

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Fraudulent Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit transactions have increased by a staggering 55 percent between 2024 and 2025, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service. Why It Matters SNAP benefits are issued to more than 40 million Americans across the country, providing monthly cash benefits to help low- and no-income families buy groceries. However, the program has been mired by criminals targeting recipients, with more than $100 million in food assistance benefits reported stolen since 2023 when public records began. What To Know SNAP benefits are administered to recipients through electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, which are loaded with money every month to use in participating retailers. Like regular debit or credit cards, they are subject to scams such as cloning, phishing or skimming. Between the final quarter of fiscal year 2024 and the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, the total number of fraudulent SNAP transactions jumped from 444,553 to 691,604—an increase of 247,051, or 55 percent. It marks the largest jump in claims across a single time period since the USDA began publishing these records. Since the second quarter of fiscal year 2023, more than $102 million in stolen benefits has been replaced by the federal government, the dataset reveals. The new figures come as the USDA has vowed to crack down on SNAP benefit theft. The federal agency announced it had taken part in "targeted benefit fraud" operations in California in late April. Lawmakers in several states have also proposed action to stop SNAP fraud. In New York, a bill calling for EMV chips, which are used in credit and debit cards that make it more difficult to counterfeit or steal card information, to become standard on EBT cards has passed the state Senate. In Pennsylvania, SNAP users can now lock their EBT card through an app when not in use to prevent their benefits from being stolen. Late last year, the USDA ended the federal reimbursement of stolen SNAP benefits. For benefits stolen prior to December 21, 2024, these were in most cases reimbursed by the USDA, which funds the program. However, the funding required to repay theft victims was not approved by Congress in a continuing resolution passed by lawmakers in December. At the time, the federal agency said that "SNAP state agencies can choose to replace stolen benefits using state funds." In April, Representative Al Green, a Texas Democrat, introduced the SNAP Secure Act of 2025, which calls for the reinstatement of federal funding to cover food stamp recipients who have been victims of fraud and theft. What People Are Saying USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said in a statement on May 2: "Fraud will not be tolerated by the Trump Administration. I want to thank our hardworking law enforcement officers who work every day to ensure federal benefits are properly distributed and safeguard taxpayer dollars from criminals. President Trump is restoring law and order. At USDA we are fighting back against fraud and misuse of taxpayer dollars and ensuring those who need and qualify for benefits, actually receive them." Representative Al Green, a Texas Democrat, said in a statement in April: "I intend to turn this legislation into a modified amendment to the next appropriations bill. If accepted, this legislation would ensure that those who have had their SNAP benefits stolen will be able to feed themselves and their families." What Happens Next? Whether SNAP thefts continue to rise at the same rate remains to be seen, with the next dataset likely to be published in the late summer or fall.

5 Ways Trump's ‘Big, Beautiful Bill' Could Impact Your Wallet
5 Ways Trump's ‘Big, Beautiful Bill' Could Impact Your Wallet

Yahoo

time2 hours ago

  • Yahoo

5 Ways Trump's ‘Big, Beautiful Bill' Could Impact Your Wallet

President Donald Trump's 'big, beautiful bill,' which has passed in the House of Representatives, has sparked fierce debate. While the bill promises growth and relief in some areas, it also introduces cuts, cost shifts and structural changes that could impact everything from healthcare premiums to loan payments — and affect the budgets of everyday Americans. Read Next: Check Out: Here are five key ways this sweeping legislation could affect your wallet. One of the bill's most consequential provisions is the move to make the 2017 tax cuts permanent. Experts said these tax cuts could extend financial relief to many individuals and families, encouraging long-term economic growth. 'These tax cuts provide much-needed relief to small businesses and individuals and encouraged billions of dollars in economic activity and investment,' said Javier Palomarez, founder and CEO of the United States Hispanic Business Council. 'Extending these cuts would allow businesses to invest and grow at a faster rate.' He explained that these cuts could have a positive impact overall. 'Extending these cuts could have a far greater, and a more positive impact than changes to SNAP or Medicaid,' he said. Learn More: One overlooked consequence of the bill is how it could quietly raise the cost of borrowing across the board. From home mortgages to car loans, everyday Americans could find themselves paying more to afford basic milestones. 'The proposed legislation could increase your expenses by increasing your mortgage payments for a house,' said Steven Conners, founder and president of Conners Wealth Management. 'Mortgage rates are high but still going up. Furthermore, this doesn't count higher loan rates for car loans and other purchases that are more significant in price, where we ordinarily buy them through a loan which is based off the bond market.' He added that the bond market is already reacting to the bill, signaling that borrowing costs could keep rising. With national debt on the rise and no clear ceiling for interest rates yet, Conners said that the overall trend points toward more expensive loans. According to a bill analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, by 2034, about 16 million people could lose health coverage and become uninsured due to a variety of proposals in the bill, including Medicaid cuts. Middle-income families who rely on Affordable Care Act (ACA) support or Medicaid expansion could also be affected. 'Premiums will most likely increase,' Conners said. 'For those less fortunate, Medicaid will see less funding, which ultimately puts more pressure on this part of the population.' Working families who rely on SNAP benefits could feel the sting of the bill almost immediately. A combination of benefit reductions and new restrictions could make it more difficult for many households to afford sufficient food. 'The most immediate impact will be the reduction of benefits received by those enrolled in SNAP,' Palomarez said. He explained that these cuts, as well as the administration's push to have states restrict SNAP-eligible items, could result in strained food budgets for many Americans. While many assume that cutting SNAP benefits would affect only low-income households, the impact can ripple across entire communities and state economies. A Commonwealth Fund analysis found that reduced food assistance can lead to job losses and decreased business activity, even in places far from where the cuts occur. For instance, groceries purchased in Georgia might support farmers in Kansas or processors in Tennessee, and a clinic closure in Louisiana could result in a nurse losing her job in Texas, per The Commonwealth Fund. One of the bill's measures targets the opaque practices of pharmacy benefit managers. 'Certain provisions related to pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform have the potential to significantly lower prescription prices for everyday Americans,' Palomarez said. 'Unlike the strict price control measures threatened by the administration earlier this year, the Big Beautiful Bill relies on transparency with consumers and mandated reporting to NADAC to ensure consumers can make the most informed decisions.' Editor's note on political coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. You can find more coverage of this topic on More From GOBankingRates 3 Luxury SUVs That Will Have Massive Price Drops in Summer 2025 5 Cities You Need To Consider If You're Retiring in 2025 I'm a Retired Boomer: 6 Bills I Canceled This Year That Were a Waste of Money This article originally appeared on 5 Ways Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill' Could Impact Your Wallet Sign in to access your portfolio

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store