In a controversial move, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to terminate two critical food programs that provided over $1 billion to help schools and food banks buy fresh, locally grown food. The decision, part of a broader push to slash federal spending, will have severe consequences for low-income students, struggling farmers, and food banks still recovering from pandemic-era disruptions.

DOGE's Directive: A Sudden End to Vital Food Aid

Under orders from DOGE, the USDA has dismantled two key initiatives:

• The Local Foods for Schools program, which supplied $660 million to help schools purchase food directly from nearby farmers.
• A separate $500 million program supporting food banks in distributing fresh, locally sourced produce.

These programs, established in 2021 under the Biden administration, were designed to stabilize food supply chains during the pandemic while supporting small and mid-sized farmers. Schools used the funds to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat, often from independent producers rather than corporate agribusinesses.

Why DOGE Pushed for the Cuts

DOGE, an agency tasked with reducing government spending, identified these programs as "non-essential" in the post-pandemic era. A USDA spokesperson confirmed the decision, stating that the COVID emergency is over, and nutrition programs must now align with fiscal efficiency goals (AP News). However, internal documents reviewed by FoodProcessing.com reveal that DOGE's involvement was far more direct - issuing formal recommendations to the USDA to eliminate the funding, citing redundancies and cost-saving priorities inherited from previous administrations.

The Fallout: Empty Plates and Broken Supply Chains

The abrupt termination of these programs leaves schools, farmers, and food banks in crisis:

• Hungry Students: School districts - especially in low-income areas - will struggle to maintain meal quality. Many may switch back to processed foods or cut portions to stay within budget.
• Farmers Losing a Lifeline: Small-scale producers who relied on school contracts now face financial instability. "This was a steady market for us," said one New England dairy farmer. "Now we don't know where to sell."
• Food Banks Stretched Thin: With $500 million in food bank aid gone, charities warn of more empty shelves just as demand rises due to inflation.

Shannon Gleave, president of the School Nutrition Association, called DOGE's move a devastating blow that harms both children and rural economies (AP News). In Pennsylvania, which received $23 million in fiscal year 2025, officials say the cuts will force tough choices - like reducing free breakfast programs or dropping local suppliers (EdWeek).

A Return to Pre-Pandemic Shortfalls?

Critics argue that DOGE's decision ignores ongoing economic strain. While the pandemic may be officially "over," food insecurity remains high, and many schools still operate on shoestring budgets.

• SNAP benefits have already been rolled back.
• Child nutrition waivers expired in 2022, tightening eligibility for free meals.
• Food inflation is still pushing costs up, making fresh produce harder to afford.

For farmers, the loss of institutional buyers means fewer stable sales, pushing some toward consolidation or closure. For families, it could mean more children going hungry - proving that efficiency cuts sometimes come at a human cost.