USDA cuts school meal programs, stirring concerns over children's nutrition and learning

Health leaders, educators, and farmers in the United States are raising concerns following the U.S. Department of Agriculture's decision to end two crucial programs that fund school meals. The discontinued programs, namely the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program, represented over $600 million in funding. This decision prompts worries about its impact on children's nutrition.

Diane Pratt-Heavener from the School Nutrition Association expressed disappointment with the cuts, stating, “We’re really disappointed, particularly given that there’s this focus on making sure kids are healthy, making America healthy.” These programs, since 2021, have facilitated schools in obtaining fresh farm food and supported educational initiatives like gardening. Over 12 million students might be impacted by these cuts, according to the nutrition association.

The federal guidelines mandate schools to provide varied meals that meet nutritional standards. School cafeterias have played a crucial role in introducing students to fresh foods, said Pratt-Heavener. Melanie Wick, director of food service at Chicopee Public Schools, noted that repeated exposure to different foods is essential for children's acceptance, stating, “It can take 10 to 20 exposures to a food for a student or a child to even try it.”

Approximately 74 percent of schools participated in farm-to-school programs according to a 2023 USDA census. Research underscores the significance of nutritious meals for children's cognitive and mental health, particularly those in early education.

Tommy Sheridan from the National Head Start Association expressed concerns regarding the USDA cuts' impact on student nourishment and classroom success, saying, “From a very fundamental perspective, if kids don’t feel safe, if they are not nourished, they’re not going to be successful in the classroom.”

Massachusetts anticipates a loss of $12 million due to these cuts. Wick highlighted the challenges of providing meals under tight budgets, where costs are often less than $2 per tray. “You can’t work these miracles without proper funding,” Wick adds.

The program cuts also affect farmers who provide food to schools. Matt Velasquez, a microgreens farmer, is among those facing fewer partnerships with school districts due to the funding loss. “Some are more savvy on the financial end and can make things work, but [for] some it’s going to be a real struggle,” noted Velasquez.

Drew Hanks from Ohio State University suggested more transparency from the federal government regarding the expected outcomes of these cuts. “How are [government officials] seeing this as waste? What are the implications?”

Several state officials and governors, such as Pennsylvania’s Josh Shapiro, have criticized the decision and are taking measures in response. Meanwhile, the School Nutrition Association is urging congressional action against the cuts to ensure students continue to receive necessary meals for their nutritional needs, according to Wick.

“Regardless of your economic background, a hungry child can’t learn. These meals are critical to ensuring that students are nourished for success,” Wick stated, emphasizing the importance of providing meals to all students.