Two weeks ago, RealWV reported that the Trump Administration’s DOGE initiative led to over $1 billion in cuts at the US Department of Agriculture, affecting programs aimed at encouraging healthier eating habits among children, according to farmers and school officials.
A second, smaller wave of USDA cuts has now emerged, further threatening “farm to school” initiatives. The School Nutrition Association notes that an additional $10 million has been slashed from the Patrick Leahy Farm to School grant program.
According to the USDA website, this program supports child nutrition operators in integrating local foods into the National School Lunch Program, the Summer Food Service Program, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and related initiatives.
The WV Department of Education and the WV Department of Agriculture confirmed these latest cuts via email earlier this week.
Sunset Berry Farm in Alderson, WV
Last year, Sunset Berry Farm secured a $100,000 USDA Leahy grant to bring locally-grown produce into schools and inspire students to grow food at home. Jennifer Gilkerson of Sunset Berry Farm explains, “Much of West Virginia is or has been classified as a food desert. These grants hold tremendous potential to encourage farmers to increase production and bolster food security statewide.”
She adds, “The funds support students from Pocahontas, Monroe, and Summers counties, who visit our farm for educational experiences and to try freeze-dried fruit.” While the 2024 grant remains unaffected, Gilkerson is concerned about the shift in priorities.
“Our long-term vision was for schools to buy freeze-dried products from West Virginia growers. With funding cuts, schools will likely opt for the cheapest options, supporting jobs overseas rather than strengthening local communities.”
Sunset Berry Farm remains committed to other efforts promoting access to healthy, local foods. “We’ve just been approved to accept SNAP online, streamlining orders for all customers,” Gilkerson says. “People can order garden products online and pick them up at our locations across 11 counties: Kanawha, Mingo, Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Wyoming, Raleigh, Summers, Fayette, Monroe, and Greenbrier.”
State & Local Response
Although the WV Department of Education wasn’t slated to receive a Leahy grant this year, they emphasized its importance. Christy Day of WVDE says, “This program has been crucial in advancing farm-to-school efforts across the state, offering annual grant opportunities for state agencies, local education boards, and nonprofits.”
The WV Department of Agriculture, however, lost a planned $100,000 Leahy grant. Beth Southern of WVDA explains, “These funds didn’t go directly to farmers but supported our staff in helping farmers connect with schools through trainings and outreach.”
Trey Yates of Greenbrier Dairy, the state’s largest creamery, which supplies 98% of its products to schools and food pantries, calls the cuts “just another nail.” While not a direct recipient of Leahy funds, Yates sees this as evidence that the federal government is pressing ahead with its plans, despite earlier hints from some officials about potential adjustments.
Capito & Canterbury Weigh In
RealWV sought comment from US Senator Shelley Moore-Capito, but her office did not reply. Two weeks ago, she told RealWV, “The Federal Government must scrutinize spending for waste, fraud, and abuse.
The Trump administration is acting swiftly on its mandate, and I urge them to proceed transparently. I’m aware of the concerns and will keep monitoring DOGE’s impact to ensure fairness.”
In a later press briefing, Capito aligned herself with farmers, saying, “Childhood hunger remains a real issue in this country. Kids can’t learn or thrive if they’re hungry or malnourished.” She expressed confidence that the USDA and other officials would find ways to restore funding.
“I don’t believe this will leave any child without a school meal they rely on—I reject that idea. They’re reworking the program, and I’ve seen firsthand how essential our food banks are, especially as demand grows due to need.”
Delegate Ray Canterbury, R-Greenbrier, who represents the Sunset Berry Farm area, was also contacted. Two weeks ago, he voiced support for farmers and vowed to seek solutions. “I’ve started drafting a legislative resolution urging lawmakers and the President to reconsider this cut,”
He said. “While this was a federal decision, limiting our options, it’s a critical issue for my district’s farmers and consumers. I’ll collaborate with the Commissioner and colleagues to explore every possible avenue to reverse this.”
