Media outlets have reported that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has terminated two programs responsible for providing public schools and food banks with funds to purchase food from local farmers and ranchers. This decision halts more than $1 billion in support for students and their families.
NEA President Becky Pringle expressed concern over this development, stating, “All students — no matter where they live or how much money their families make — deserve the resources they need to grow and thrive. To ensure every student can flourish, we must ensure no student goes hungry.”
Pringle highlighted the issue of school lunch debt, saying, “No young person in America should ever face the shame or stigma of lunch debt.” She emphasized that access to healthy meals is crucial for students’ focus and learning capabilities.
The NEA President criticized efforts by “Trump and Musk” to deprive students of healthy meals, especially as food prices rise and household budgets are strained. She noted that these programs have enabled schools to serve fresh, locally sourced foods at no extra cost, benefiting both students and school budgets.
Pringle also pointed out the broader impact on local farmers and ranchers who rely on these programs as stable markets. The termination of funding could harm rural economies and widen budget gaps in school districts.
In conclusion, Pringle said that cutting food funding undermines student health and learning, including their connection to food sources. She argued that if academic success is a priority, reducing such funding is detrimental.
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