ST. PAUL, Minn. – People who run school meal and childcare programs, as well as food banks, are reeling from federal cuts in food assistance. The U.S. Agriculture Department announced the elimination of programs that provide $13.2 million for Minnesota schools and childcare centers, and $4.7 million for food banks. The cuts had been expected as part of the Trump plan to offset revenue losses from the $880 billion tax reductions he has promised rich people and corporations. Nationwide the food programs sent $1 billion a year to purchases from local armers within 400 miles. The economic impact on local agricultural economies has yet to be calculated.
State reaction
The deputy Minnesota agriculture commissioner, Andrea Vaubel said the programs had been “beautiful” in addressing critical nutritional needs. “We are bummed,” Vaubel told the Minnesota Star Tribune. The actual flow of federal funds will cease in May.
Trump’s spin
The U.S. Agriculture Department notification avoided any mention of how the food cuts relate to the Trump tax plan. The explanation said only that the cuts will shrink federal spending. The cuts mark “a return to long-term, fiscally responsible initiatives.,” said an agency spokesperson. The programs in their current form were created to help ease the CoVid pandemic of 2020. “The CoVid era is over,” the agency spokesperson said. “USDA’s approach to nutrition programs will reflect that reality moving forward,” The spokesperson claimed that 16 “robust nutrition programs remain” in place: “USDA remains focused on its core mission: strengthening food security, supporting agricultural markets, and ensuring access to nutritious food.”