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A proposed federal spending freeze could have disrupted free and reduced-price meals for nearly 68,000 Fairfax County Public Schools students, Superintendent Michelle Reid warned.
The Trump administration issued the directive on Monday, Jan. 27, ordering federal agencies to pause grants, loans and other assistance while reviewing whether programs aligned with President Donald Trump’s policy priorities.
The freeze was scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28. A federal judge blocked it shortly before the deadline, delaying implementation until at least Monday, Feb. 3.
As lawsuits mounted and confusion spread, the Office of Management and Budget rescinded the directive shortly after noon Wednesday. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later said the administration was still reviewing federal spending, leaving open the possibility that funding could still be frozen.
Before the order was withdrawn, Reid told FCPS employees that the school system was evaluating possible effects on essential programs, including student meals.
FCPS serves about 120,000 meals each day through its free and reduced-price meal program. Federal funding covers 60% of the program’s costs.
“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.”
FCPS received $168 million in federal funding for fiscal year 2025, according to its current budget. The money supports special education, Title I schools, multilingual learners and school meals. More than one-third of the total—$58.2 million—was designated for Food and Nutrition Services.
Across Virginia, the federal government provided $5 billion for K-12 education during the 2024-2026 biennium. Most of that funding flowed through Title I grants for schools serving low-income students, special education assistance under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and school nutrition programs.
It remained unclear whether those programs would be affected by the administration’s continuing review of federal assistance.
Reid sought to reassure employees that FCPS would keep supporting students while officials pursued clarification. She acknowledged that the uncertainty extended beyond schools, noting concerns among families, federal workers who had lost jobs and community members worried about the school system’s commitment to an inclusive environment.
The superintendent said FCPS would remain focused on providing every student with a safe, supportive and welcoming education while monitoring federal developments.