Student Well-Being Video

How a School Has Changed Its Menu After Losing USDA Funds for Local Food

The Trump administration in March canceled a $660 million program that helped schools buy from local farms
By Lauren Santucci & Olina Banerji — May 29, 2025 2:15
Stockyard BS

Through grants provided by the USDA, the rural Trenton school district in Tennessee was able to provide fresh fruits and meats from local farmers for students’ school meals. But the Trump administration’s March cancellation of those grants, which went to school districts across the country, mean the district’s nutrition director is swapping fresh fruits for fruit cups, and local farmers are in limbo.

Lauren Santucci is a video producer for Education Week.
Olina Banerji is a reporter for Education Week who covers school leadership.

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A delivery from Turner’s Dairy is dropped off at Yarnick's Farm in Indiana, Pa., on June 4, 2025.
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