Trump administration urges U.S. schools to cook from scratch, but districts cite lack of funds and equipment

The Trump administration in the United States is pushing schools to prepare more meals from scratch and reduce ultra-processed foods, as part of its Make America Healthy Again agenda. However, school districts say this is difficult due to lack of funding, equipment, and skilled staff. For example, in Meriden, Connecticut, a school kitchen is too small and lacks tools, so they serve nuggets and burgers. Only about 16% of districts currently offer any from-scratch meals daily. The USDA has announced up to $70 million for kitchen upgrades, but districts say it's not enough.