USDA canceled 94 million pounds of planned food-bank deliveries
Reporting and findings
- documented
USDA records obtained by ProPublica showed the administration canceled approximately $500 million in planned 2025 food purchases, amounting to 94 million pounds that did not reach food banks; intended recipients lost food and producers lost sales.
- ProPublica: Trump Canceled 94 Million Pounds of Food Aid. Here's What Never ArrivedPassages and source records documenting: USDA canceled 94 million pounds of planned food-bank deliveries
- documented
Elon Musk was the Trump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work.
- The White House: President Trump participates in a press conference with departing DOGE adviser Elon MuskAppointment or biography record identifying Elon Musk as Trump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work
- documented
Russell Vought was the Trump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB director.
- United States Senate: Roll Call Vote 37: Confirmation of Russell VoughtAppointment or biography record identifying Russell Vought as Trump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB director
Summary and current status
The cut removed U.S.-produced meat, dairy, eggs, and produce from food banks while also eliminating farm sales.
ProPublica reconstructed the undelivered 2025 orders from USDA records
People and organizations
- Russell VoughtTrump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB director
- Elon MuskTrump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work
- U.S. Department of Agricultureagriculture department canceling domestic food purchases
- Donald J. Trumppresident authorizing the administration action
Relationships in this file
- Elon Muskcut farm-to-food-bank deliveriesU.S. Department of Agriculture
- Donald J. TrumpTrump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE workElon Musk
- Donald J. TrumpTrump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB directorRussell Vought
Money trail
lossCanceled domestic food purchasesapproximately $500 million - Reported loss source
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Reported gain recipient
- Canceled farm and distributor orders
- Loss or cost borne by
- Food-bank clients and U.S. agricultural producers
Figures
Canceled food-bank deliveries94 million pounds Calculation details
- Basis
- Observed
- Population
- USDA-planned 2025 deliveries to food banks
- Period
- 2025-01-20 to 2025-10-08
- Method
- ProPublica item-level reconstruction from USDA planned-delivery records.
- Uncertainty
- Canceled planned deliveries, not food physically destroyed.