NFSN Info and Support for Federal Funding Freeze

[Tristana Pirkl]

Hi Everyone, 

We know many in the SGSO Network receive funding from the federal government in a variety of ways. In light of the recent situation of a potential incoming freeze in federal funding (currently on pause by a federal judge), we encourage turning to experts to understand what is happening and the implications for your organization or school. 

The National Farm to School Network, trusted partner and supporter of school gardens, is hosting a special Partners-only meeting next week to talk through updates and offer Partners a chance to share how this affects you and your communities. This meeting will not be recorded. 

Who: NFSN Partners only
When: Wednesday, February 5
Time: 9am PT / noon ET
Where: Zoom (Register here)

In order to become a NFSN partner, you can do so here. 

NFSN also shared the below message from their Policy Director, Karen Spangler (ka...@farmtoschool.org). We hope it'll be helpful for you. 

Best, 

Tristana

Tristana Pirkl Executive Director School Garden Support Organization (SGSO) Network (She/Her) www.sgsonetwork.org

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Karen Spangler <ka...@farmtoschool.org>
Date: Tue, Jan 28, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Subject: [NFSN Partners] Timely Federal Funding News and Action Needed
To: <part...@farmtoschool.org>

Hello Partners, 

Many of you may have heard that last night, the Trump administration announced a temporary freeze to all federal grants and loans. (See this article from Roll Call for an overview.) According to a memo from the Office of Management and Budget, agencies are directed to pause all payments at 5pm today. OMB instructs agencies to prepare reports and will review programs to ensure that all funding aligns with the new Administration's priorities. It is not fully clear at this time which programs will be affected or whether the Administration has authority to withhold payment of funding that Congress has approved (like Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants). Because this freeze is so broad, it could affect not only payments to individual grantees but also funding to state agencies or universities that fund smaller projects. OMB has indicated that they may modify or cancel projects for ideological reasons after review and instructs agencies to cease projects not in alignment with the Administration's priorities. It specifically notes that agencies must cease funds for "foreign aid, nongovernmental organizations, DEI, woke gender ideology, and the

green new deal."  

One important step you can take is contacting your legislator to alert them how this freeze and potential withdrawal of funding will affect your community. Many Congressional offices devote staff time specifically to helping their constituents navigate federal programs and need to hear from you with your feedback and your questions. Also, legislators may take action to push back on this overreach to their proper Congressional authority. Your stories can show them the importance of taking action in this moment. 

Reach out to your legislators here TODAY to push for their help understanding this order, and to push for Congressional action to protect investments in your communities.   

Also, National Farm to School Network is hosting a special Partners-only meeting next week to talk through updates and offer Partners a chance to share how this affects you and your communities. This meeting will not be recorded. 

Who: NFSN Partners only
When: Wednesday, February 5
Time: 9am PT / noon ET
Where: Zoom (Register here)

Please don't hesitate to reach out, and we will share more information as we have it. 

Best,

Karen

--

	Karen Spangler, MPP, MUP  (she/her/hers) Policy Director, National Farm to School Network
	248.535.3709  | Based in Ann Arbor, MI
	ka...@farmtoschool.org
	www.farmtoschool.org

* I acknowledge that I live, learn, and work on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe Odawa, Ojibwe, and Potawatomi, and Wyandot peoples. Learn more: https://native-land.ca/

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