Key Takeaways:
- Mendota Elementary School’s garden is a vital part of its curriculum, teaching students about growing food and caring for the planet.
- The USDA recently cut funding for programs like this under President Trump’s executive order.
- The loss of funding has left schools and organizations scrambling for alternative funding sources.
- Advocates say this move hurts low-income communities, farmers, and the environment.
- The programs were designed to provide fresh, local food to schools and promote healthy eating.
A Garden of Learning
On a chilly Monday morning, a group of third graders at Mendota Elementary School in Madison, Wisconsin, were hard at work in their school garden. Some were filling buckets with compost, while others prepared soil for spring planting or gently watered newly planted radishes and peas. The morning was filled with excitement as one student discovered a handful of worms, bringing everyone together in awe.
This garden is more than just a green space. It’s a classroom where kids learn about growing food, taking care of the planet, and where their food comes from. Thanks to Rooted, a Wisconsin nonprofit, and AmeriCorps, the garden has been a part of the school curriculum for over 25 years. The produce grown here doesn’t just stay at the school—it’s often donated to local food pantries.
ERICA KRUG, Rooted’s farm-to-school director, says, “We want kids to understand where their food comes from. Growing their own food is powerful.”
The garden is especially important in this historically underserved area, where access to fresh, healthy food has long been a struggle.
The Cuts and Their Impact
This year, the USDA surprised everyone by canceling funding for programs like Mendota’s garden. The reason given was President Trump’s executive order, which targets what it calls “radical and wasteful” programs. This includes the Patrick Leahy Farm to School program, a $100 million initiative that supports schools in growing and sourcing local food.
Krug calls the decision “upsetting” and “ridiculous.” She believes cutting this funding hurts low-income kids and communities that rely on these programs for fresh food.
The cancellation has ripple effects. Five USDA programs have lost funding, and 21 more are on hold. For example, $1.13 billion meant for local food programs was recently cut, leaving small farmers, food pantries, and schools scrambling to find new funding.
A Program’s Uncertain Future
The Patrick Leahy Farm to School program was created to address hunger and improve nutrition in schools. It supports tribal, rural, and urban communities nationwide. But now, schools and organizations are left wondering how to continue their work without federal support.
Rooted is racing to find new funding. They’re planning a fundraising campaign and a benefit concert to keep their programs alive. “We’re not ready to abandon this,” Krug says. “We believe in it too much.”
Why This Matters
Nutrition advocates and lawmakers are calling the USDA’s decision contradictory. They say it goes against the Trump administration’s stated goal of making America healthy again.
Local food systems are not only better for people’s health—they’re also better for the planet. Transportation emissions from long-distance food shipping contribute to climate change. Local food reduces these emissions and ensures food is fresher and less wasted.
Programs like Mendota’s garden also address systemic inequities. They give underserved communities access to fresh food and teach kids vital skills about agriculture and sustainability.
What’s Next
Advocates are fighting back. Some argue that the USDA’s decision to cancel funding may not even be legal. Congress mandated the program, and they allocated $10 million for this year. However, the USDA claims it has the authority to pause funding and revise the program for next year.
Meanwhile, communities are left in the dark, waiting for answers. Representative JAMES MCGOVERN of Massachusetts, who signed a letter demanding clarity from the USDA, says, “Terminating these programs is pathetic. It causes uncertainty for schools, farmers, and families.”
As the fight continues, organizations like Rooted are doing everything they can to keep their programs alive. But the loss of federal funding leaves a gaping hole.
A Brighter Future?
The garden at Mendota Elementary is still growing, thanks to the dedication of its students and teachers. But the future of programs like this is uncertain. Advocates hope that by raising awareness and funds, they can convince lawmakers to restore the funding.
As SYDNEY BUSH of Mississippi Farm to School Network says, “Food is power. Cutting programs like this only makes it harder for communities to access healthy food.”
For now, the kids at Mendota will keep gardening, learning, and hoping that their voices will be heard.