USDA Halts FY25 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants
State agencies were notified by USDA that $10 million* in Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants has been cancelled. USDA will not review Fiscal Year 2025 applications or award grants, according to a report by POLITICO. Prior year funds supported efforts nationwide to introduce students to locally grown produce and increase consumption of healthy foods through a wide range of initiatives, including taste tests and school gardens.
“A nation vowing to improve the health of America’s children should not cut the very programs that effectively teach students how to make nutritious choices,” said School Nutrition Association President Shannon Gleave, RDN, SNS. “Farm to School grants foster community partnerships that support immersive learning, educating students about where food comes from and encouraging them to consume a variety of fresh, local options in school. SNA calls on Congress to protect school meal programs, which face critical funding deficiencies and rely on crucial grants like this and Local Food for Schools funding, as do local farmers and producers.”
This news follows the recent termination of $660 million in federal funds for Local Food for Schools and as Congress considers proposed cuts to school meal programs.
Note: early news reports indicated a $5 million loss in funds.
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