DENVER - The U.S. Department of Agriculture has canceled over $13.1 million in funding for Colorado initiatives that help schools and food banks purchase food from local farms, hurting Colorado kids, families and farmers. 

“By cutting this funding, the Trump Administration is taking away healthy meals from school children and slashing contracts Colorado farmers depend on to support their businesses and workers. Instead of helping communities put food on the table, this decision pulls resources from schools, food banks, and Colorado families. While the Trump Administration continues to undermine food security and drive up costs, Colorado will continue to prioritize supporting our farmers and helping Coloradans access healthy and affordable food,” said Colorado Governor Polis. 

“Since we began this program in 2022, Local Food Purchase Assistance agreements have helped ensure not only that families have access to healthy foods, but that local farmers get the support they need to have thriving businesses. Colorado is disappointed by the Trump Administration’s decision to pivot away from continuation of this smart program,” said Colorado Department of Human Services Executive Director Michelle Barnes. 

“At a time of significantly increased need for food bank services coupled with limited resources for the charitable food network and local producers, we are concerned and disheartened about the elimination of this program. An important source of support for our Colorado producers is gone, and a point of access to fresh, local foods for neighbors will no longer be available. This program provided a solution to one of the biggest challenges for small and midsize farms -- market access," said Mandy Nuku, Executive Director of Feeding Colorado.

 This funding supported two programs, the Local Food for Schools & Child Care Agreement Program (LFSCC) and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA). 

LFPA provides funding to state, tribal, and territorial governments to buy locally grown food. This initiative strengthens local food systems, supports farmers and food producers, and helps supply food banks that serve communities. Colorado was set to receive $5.5 million through this program. 

LFSCAP helps schools and child care programs purchase fresh, locally grown food, strengthening local food systems and expanding access to nutritious meals for students. Colorado was set to receive $5.9 million for school districts and $1.7 million for child care centers through this program before the funding was eliminated.