In the first seven months of President Donald Trump’s second administration, the federal funding landscape has radically changed for the people who grow, harvest, and distribute food in the United States. Amid the turmoil, the Department of Agriculture has fallen short of communicating effectively with those impacted by the cuts, and Grist reporters have heard from sources facing confusion all over the U.S.
In response to those needs, we’ve put together this information guide, which includes the status of various USDA funding programs, resources for those who are struggling with financial and/or mental health hardships, and conversation starters to envision a more resilient food economy.
The goal for the guide is to provide the most up-to-date information on agriculture and food funding, and it will be amended on an ongoing basis. The guide was created by Grist’s food and agriculture staff writer Ayurella Horn-Muller and senior manager of community engagement Lyndsey Gilpin, with the input of grantees, food and farming nonprofits, coalitions, and other organizations. As the state of federal funding continues to change, we hope those impacted by the cuts will let us know if anything should be added to this key policy tracker and resource hub.
“In all of the turmoil, the communication from the Department of Agriculture itself has lacked transparency and comprehensiveness. We’ve heard over and over from our sources — farmers, food organizations, agricultural networks, and advocates across the country — that they remain confused and in search of reliable information. Folks need clarity about what is happening, support during a difficult moment, and alternatives to the current faltering system,” said Horn-Muller.
The guide is available to republish. See our guidelines here.
This project is part of Grist’s ongoing community engagement efforts. We’ve put together information guides in three languages for migrant farmworkers, ran a multi-pronged project on energy for Georgia residents, launched an adaptable toolkit on weather disasters, and published an information guide in English and Spanish on ethylene oxide.
Contact Ayurella Horn-Muller for questions about this guide, or to suggest additional information that could be added.
