“Make America Healthy Again” is a decent enough slogan. It was coined by RKF Jr., our newly confirmed Secretary of Health and Human Services, and has been adopted by the Trump Administration. It’s a big challenge: life expectancy in the U.S. is declining and lags behind peer countries. We have the highest rates of obesity and diabetes among peer nations, and the second-highest rate of heart disease. Nearly half of all Americans have at least one chronic disease — and the rate is growing.
RFK Jr. and other high-ranking administration officials have said that healthier food is crucial to making America healthy. He has spoken of making school meals healthier, removing additives from the food supply, and cracking down on ultra-processed foods. So far, so good.
Actions speak louder than words, however. And a recent action by the Administration will harm the food supply and our health. Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture canceled more than $1 billion in funding that helps school meal programs and food banks buy and serve locally grown and produced foods. Specifically, they are ending the Local Food for Schools (LFS) program — worth about $660 million — and the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program — worth about $500 million.
During COVID, the food supply chain was severely disrupted. In response, the Biden Administration established these programs. Doing so accomplished a lot. It supported a more resilient food system that didn’t rely on “Big Ag” and major food companies. It helped small farmers and boosted rural economies. Most importantly, it made fresh, healthy, and local food available and affordable for children and people who rely upon food banks and pantries.
Even as COVID recedes, those needs are growing: soaring grocery prices mean that more people than ever rely upon soup kitchens and schools for adequate nutrition. These cuts are going to hurt everyone — including New Yorkers. New York State received $124.5 million over two fiscal years through LFPA and LFS. The Secretary of Agriculture called the programs “nonessential” and a waste of taxpayer money. Don’t be fooled: that’s money coming out of the pockets of farmers and food coming out of the mouths of hungry people. It’s essential.
Farmers, food banks, and others could be left holding the bag if USDA reneges on existing agreements. USDA claims it will pay out existing contracts but will not provide any new funding. I’m not so sure, and there is widespread fear and confusion. Across the country, farmers and feeding programs are at risk of losing huge sums of money. Illinois has already abruptly canceled all payments under LFPA. Right here in New York, the losses will be similar:
· The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York relies on $1 million annually under LFPA to purchase and distribute food to pantries, schools, and shelters.
· Essex Food Hub is using a two-year $730,000 LFPA award to source local food for communities from the Western Adirondacks to the Bronx.
· The Saugerties Central School District uses $22,000 in LFS funds to buy fresh, local foods for its students.
· The Onteora Central School District sources at least 30% of its food from New York State farms to qualify for a State enhanced reimbursement— but that’s only possible because of federal funding. If LFS disappears, the whole thing could tumble like dominoes.
It’s not always easy to make healthy diet choices. Grocery stores teem with processed foods pumped full of sugar, salt, fat, and chemical additives. Food is getting more expensive to buy. I could sign on to a slogan about making America healthy, but I won’t support policies that take us in the exact opposite direction. Literally and figuratively starving people and farmers is wrong. These cuts must be reversed, and local food systems must be strengthened.
By David Sandman, President and CEO, New York Health Foundation
Published on Medium on March 20, 2025