Key Takeaways:
- A Georgia peanut butter supplier lost $12 million in contracts with USAID under the Trump administration.
- Mana Nutrition employs over 100 workers and makes food for malnourished children worldwide.
- The company is in a small, Trump-supporting town that relies heavily on this business.
- The canceled contracts could feed 300,000 children, and more cancellations may be coming.
- Mana is still waiting for $20 million from the government for already shipped products.
Georgia Peanut Butter Maker Hit Hard by Trump Admin Cuts
In a small town in Georgia, a big blow has hit Mana Nutrition, a company that makes peanut butter-based food for children in need worldwide. The Trump administration recently canceled $12 million in contracts with the nonprofit, which employs over 100 workers. This sudden move could have serious consequences for the town of Fitzgerald, a strong Trump supporter area.
Mana Nutrition’s CEO, Mark Moore, said the contract cancellations are a major issue because USAID makes up more than 90% of their business. The canceled contracts alone could have fed 300,000 children. Moore also mentioned that more cancellations might be on the way, adding to the uncertainty.
The Impact on Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald, a rural town in South Georgia, is Known for its peanut production and strong Trump support. Mana Nutrition has been a key employer in the area for over 15 years, operating in a large 150,000-square-foot facility. The company produces nutrient-dense food pouches containing milk, multivitamins, and peanut butter, which are shipped to countries like South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and Madagascar.
Moore emphasized how important Fitzgerald is to their operations, stating, “We make these packets of peanut butter in Fitzgerald because it’s the best place in the world to make a packet of peanut butter.” The cancellation of these contracts not only affects the company but also the local community that relies on Mana for jobs.
What’s Next for Mana Nutrition?
While the $12 million in contracts has been canceled, Mana still has $23 million worth of USAID contracts that have not been canceled yet. Moore believes the government may have intended to cancel all contracts but hasn’t done so yet. He also mentioned that they are still waiting for the government to pay $20 million for products that have already been produced and shipped.
Mana Nutrition is left in limbo, unsure of what the future holds. The company is hoping to find new contracts to replace the lost revenue, but the immediate impact is already being felt.
The Bigger Picture
The cancellation of these contracts raises questions about the Trump administration’s priorities. The termination letter from USAID stated that continuing the program is not in the national interest. However, for the workers at Mana Nutrition and the children who rely on their products, the impact is very real.
This situation is a reminder of how political decisions can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only businesses but also communities and people around the world. As Mana Nutrition navigates this uncertain time, the town of Fitzgerald and the children they serve will be watching closely to see what happens next.