Agriculture
The Trump administration cut funding for schools and food banks and their partnerships with local farmers, leaving all three groups with budget shortfalls across Mississippi. From Jackson, up to Tupelo, and down to Gulfport, Mississippi farmers, schools and food banks are going without the help they need from the government to make it through the year.
Social Security
The Trump administration closed three Social Security Administration offices in Mississippi. Advocates have said that closing regional offices makes it more difficult for people to resolve issues with their Social Security benefits, and, if the administration goes through with their plan to require in-person visits for ID verification, will create extra travel requirements and longer wait times for those in-person appointments.
March 2025: Trump Administration Terminated $6 Million Program To Help Mississippi Food Banks Purchase Produce From Local Farmers To Address “The Worst Hunger Problem In America.” According to the Clarion-Ledger, "'The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) is partnering with the three Feeding America affiliated food banks that together service all 82 counties in the state of Mississippi,' according to information from the USDA. The Magnolia State has 'the worst hunger problem in America,' according to the Mississippi Food Network. About one in six people don't have enough to eat, and about one child in five goes to bed hungry nightly. According to USDA awards, the Mississippi Department of Agriculture received more than $6.8 million for LFP and LFPA Plus awards. About $2.8 million was regular program funding, and $4 million came from Plus funds, which was a program expansion in 2022. The program worked with 50 producers, and 80% of those were underserved, according to the most recent award information. The food purchased was valued at $3.2 million." [Clarion-Ledger, 3/12/25]
March 2025: Greenville Food Bank Warned Trump USDA Cuts Were “Going To Hurt Even More” Because Of Mississippi’s Hunger Program. According to WFXW, "For years, Hearty Helpings has relied on USDA funding to keep shelves stocked with fresh foods. But, with the agency ending two programs—the Local Food for schools and local food purchase assistance programs—Pandora Redmon and Rita Styles say it's bound to hurt a lot of people. 'it’s going to hurt even more because a community or state that was already suffering with less especially with our children, school meals that’s going to be an issue,' said Pandora Redmon. 'For those who do receive it, I think that’s going to put a big dent in the things that can have or the resources to help,' said Rita Styles." [WFXW, 3/13/25]
March 2025: Trump Administration Reportedly Closed Three Social Security Offices In Mississippi. According to The Clarion-Ledger, "Three Social Security offices are reportedly closed, though they are still listed on the Social Security Administration website as of Monday. Grenada: $127,570 in estimated total savings on an $255,140 lease cost for 8,946 square feet. Greenwood: $504,916 in estimated total savings on an $263,435 annual lease cost for 11,100 square feet. Meridian: $977,426 in estimated total savings on an $229,983 annual lease cost for 14,000 square feet." [Clarion-Ledger, 3/3/25]