US Department of Agriculture slashes two federal programs that fund local food banks, schools
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The US Department of Agriculture is slashing two federal programs that support local food banks and schools.
The USDA's decision to cut these programs has caused more than $1 billion in federal spending to come to a halt. This comes at a time when food banks, pantries and schools are seeing an increased need.
Local school districts are expressing concern over the recent announcement from the US Department of Agriculture. The department decided to cut $660 million to the Local Food for Schools program.
Springfield Public Schools tells 22News that this funding allowed them to prioritize purchasing from local farms, which typically comes at a higher cost than wholesale purchasing. In a statement to 22News, the superintendent of Springfield Public Schools Dr. Sonia Dinnall said, 'while we are disappointed that the funding that helped us source food locally is dissolving, we want to reassure families that there will be no change to the quality, variety, or cost of school meals,' said Dr. Dinnall.
Dinnall goes on to say, 'without it, we will continue serving fresh and nutritious meals but will source some items from regions other than local farms. For example, instead of purchasing potatoes from a variety of local farms, we may now source them from a single wholesaler, such as Idaho Potatoes.Our dedication to nutritious meals remains strong, and we will continue seeking ways to support local farms whenever possible.'
Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program is also being cut, which was expected to provide about $500 million to local food banks. The Martin Luther King Jr Family Services Springfield President, Shannon M. Rudde, isr also sending us a statement that reads, 'These are our neighbors, people we see and interact with daily, and we have already had to make difficult decisions due to the overwhelming demand at our pantry. This is not the time to cut back. We will collaborate with other food providers to advocate for a more strategic and sustainable path forward,' said Rudder.
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is expected to not be affected by the cuts to the Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program. But they told 22News, they're looking forward to working with the congressional delegation to make this a permanent program in the upcoming debates of the US Farm Bill to help other food banks who are experiencing the cuts.
There is also potential worry of a government shutdown leading to cuts in SNAP benefits, creating a greater need for food assistance.
'Well, you know, life is already really difficult for a lot of people. You know, prices for basic needs are high still. Especially housing and food. And everyone is feeling the pinch. Working families and modest incomes,' said Executive Director for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Andrew Morehouse.
Lorraine's Soup Kitchen and Pantry in Chicopee, that served more than 35,000 meals last year alone,e also showing concern. 'We're hoping this doesn't happen. Yes. Because, you know, I mean, it's not only us. It's all over the country that this is going to happen. So it's going to be huge,' said Lorraine's Soup Kitchen & Pantry Executive Director, Kim Caisse.
Congress must pass a bill to fund the federal government before midnight on Friday, otherwise the government will be forced to shut down immediately.
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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