Shape Up’s garden was caught in the political crosshairs of a dramatic shift at the USDA. Since assuming power, the Trump administration has cudgeled what it deems “wasteful” spending on projects related to diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI. Shape Up’s community garden, which serves a community that is three-quarters Black, qualified.
The USDA’s purge has resulted in a significant loss of funding for programs increasing access to fruits and vegetables, and some creating pathways for more Americans to enter an industry with rapidly aging farmers. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has claimed the USDA has ended more than $148 million in DEI funding …
Targeting DEI is a “red herring,” said Thomas Burrell, the president of the Black Farmers & Agriculturalists Association. “It speaks volumes, to me at least, that you intend to continue to discriminate against Black farmers.”
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The cuts also likely affect endeavors Rollins has vocally supported. Organizations with canceled funding helped connect community members with small farms, promote the purchase of locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables, and push healthy lifestyles.
