The Trump administration’s plan to freeze federal spending could’ve disrupted free and reduced-price meals for thousands of students if it had taken effect, according to Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid.
The directive, issued Monday (Jan. 27), ordered federal agencies to halt grants, loans, and other aid and review federal financial assistance programs to ensure they align with President Donald Trump’s policy agenda, which has prioritized cutting government spending and scaling back diversity and equity efforts, among other goals.
Set to take effect at 5 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 28), the order was blocked at the last minute by a federal judge, who delayed the freeze until at least Monday, Feb. 3.
Amid mounting lawsuits and widespread confusion, the Office of Management and Budget issued a memo shortly after noon yesterday (Wednesday) rescinding the order. However, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later said the administration is still reviewing federal spending, suggesting that it’s still pursuing a freeze in funds.
Before the order was rescinded, Reid told staff in an email yesterday morning that FCPS was assessing how the potential funding freeze could impact key programs, including free and reduced-price meals.
Nearly 68,000 FCPS students rely on the meals program, which serves 120,000 meals daily and has 60% of its cost covered by federal funds, according to the superintendent.
“For some children, this is the only nutritious food they are receiving,” Reid wrote. “We trust that the federal government realizes that students need to be well fed in order to focus during the school day, and to maximize their ability to learn.”
According to its current budget, FCPS received $168 million in federal funding for fiscal year 2025, supporting programs like special education, Title I schools, multilingual learners and school meals. More than a third of that — $58.2 million — was earmarked for Food and Nutrition Services.
Statewide, Virginia received $5 billion in federal education funding for K-12 schools during the 2024-2026 biennium. Most of that money was distributed through Title I grants for schools serving low-income students, IDEA funding for special education and school nutrition assistance programs.
It was not immediately clear whether these federal programs would be affected by the White House’s continued review of federal assistance. But Reid attempted to ease concerns in her email, assuring staff that FCPS remains committed to supporting students and will continue monitoring the situation:
“While we work to get clarification, please be assured that we will continue to take care of our children.
This is new territory for many of us. Please know that I understand the ripple effect that goes well beyond our school buildings. I understand for many, there may be a level of anxiety attached to uncertainty. I’ve met with community members several times in the past few days and listened to concerns on a number of related topics.
Community members have expressed that they are worried about risks to their families and children, others have lost federal jobs, and some of you may be concerned that our ongoing commitment to a safe, welcoming, and inclusive teaching, learning, and work environment is in jeopardy. I want to reassure you that we remain resolutely committed to providing a world-class educational experience for our students – each and every one of them – in a safe, supportive, welcoming, and inclusive school environment for all students and staff. Let me be clear that our mission driven work rooted in excellence, equity, and opportunity will continue.
As we monitor and stay in communication, we will continue to work together to maintain the high level of innovation, care, and calm required to support our students and staff to teach, learn, and thrive. Together all things are possible.”
