Free Lunch Cuts Will Leave New York Students Hungry

New York students may struggle to get lunch in the upcoming school year.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) cut two significant programs that provide over $1 billion to help schools and food banks purchase food from local farms and ranches.

The move is expected to significantly impact several schools across the country, including New York.

The Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program, which allocated about $660 million to schools and childcare facilities, has been terminated for the 2025 fiscal year. The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program, supporting food banks and other feeding organizations, has also been eliminated.

Reduce Federal Spending

These cuts are part of President Trump's efforts to reduce federal spending. But it comes at a time when food banks are experiencing increased demand due to rising food costs.

The decision has raised concerns among school nutrition officials and state leaders, who worry about the impact on access to healthy meals for students and support for local farmers.

READ MORE: Central New York Loses Another Family Restaurant After 26 Years

Advocates emphasize that school meals are essential for student well-being and academic performance.

The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is rallying supporters in urging Congress to reject proposed cuts

“These proposals would cause millions of children to lose access to free school meals at a time when working families are struggling with rising food costs," said SNA President Shannon Gleave.

READ MORE: After 22 Years, Beloved Central New York Food Truck Packs Up and Moves On

States Affected by the Cuts

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

I'm all for cutting wasteful government spending, but funding to feed kids while supporting local farmers is far from wasteful.

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