USDA cancels $1B funding for food assistance programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has canceled two programs that provided over $1 billion to support local farmers and food distribution to schools and food banks. The USDA stated these programs no longer align with its future priorities. A group of 31 senators, including Kirsten Gillibrand, is urging the USDA to restore the funding. They express concerns about the negative impact on farmers and families relying on food assistance amid ongoing challenges in agriculture. The programs, initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic, are being discontinued as the USDA shifts its focus. Critics warn that this decision could harm school meal programs and local farmers facing rising costs.