(WDNews) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is ending two programs that helped schools and food banks buy food from local farmers during the pandemic.
About $660 million went to schools and childcare centers through the Local Foods for Schools program, while another program provided funding for food banks.
Supporters say the programs helped students get fresher meals and supported local farmers. Some school officials worry that losing the funds will strain already tight budgets and make it harder to provide healthy meals.
The USDA said the programs were temporary and no longer fit the agency’s priorities.
