Editor’s note: This piece was first published by the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) on January 24, 2025 and is cross-posted with permission. The author is Gina Plata-Nino, FRAC’s SNAP Deputy Director. The Food Research & Action Center is a member of the Coalition on Human Needs.

In a move that threatens to undo significant strides made toward racial and social equity, President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order titled Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing. Among other actions, this order calls for the removal of equity action plans across federal agencies, specifically targeting former Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. Trump’s order criticizes these diversity, equity, and inclusion plans, labeling them as “immense public waste and shameful discrimination.” However, the reality of these efforts is far from what the executive order suggests. 

Legacy of Racial Disparities in the U.S. 

The U.S. has a painful history of discrimination, including the exclusive distribution of cash benefits to White, English-speaking Christian women, and the New Deal’s preferential treatment of White Americans in job opportunities, which left Black Americans with limited access to employment and lower wages. The legacy of redlining further denied Black Americans opportunities for homeownership and wealth-building, creating significant economic disparities that persist to this day. 

These historical disparities have had a direct and damaging impact on the economic status of millions of people in this country. In 2023, over 36 million people were living in poverty, with disproportionately high poverty rates among Black/African American (17.9 percent), Latine (16.6 percent), and American Indian and Alaska Native populations (21.2 percent), compared to a poverty rate of just 7.7 percent for White Americans. These figures highlight the ongoing racial and economic inequality that continues to plague the U.S. 

The Threat of Trump’s Executive Order 

President Trump’s executive order threatens to exacerbate these inequalities, not only by dismantling equity action plans but also by undoing previous efforts aimed at protecting marginalized communities. Equity initiatives, as mandated by Executive Order 13985, were not designed to create favoritism or unfair advantages. Rather, the goal was to “pursue a comprehensive approach to advancing equity for all, including people of color and others who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality.” These initiatives sought to level the playing field and ensure equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.  

Disparities in Food Security 

One area where these disparities are particularly evident is food insecurity. In 2023, an estimated 47.4 million Americans faced food insecurity, including 13.8 million children. The rates of food insecurity were significantly higher for Black/African American (23.3 percent) and Latine (21.9 percent) households, both more than double the rate of White households (9.9 percent). This ongoing crisis underscores the importance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) commitment to promoting equity and inclusion through its 16 federal nutrition programs. 

USDA’s Efforts to Promote Equity in Nutrition Assistance 

USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) equity actions in nutrition assistance programs have made significant strides in promoting food security and dismantling barriers to access, particularly for underserved communities. By partnering with cross-agency teams to improve the experience of applying to benefit programs, FNS helped reduce the burden for enrolling in benefit programs by promoting expanded access to automated eligibility verifications and increased data sharing for direct certification. Additionally, the USDA included more flexibility in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), aligning food packages with the latest nutrition science and ensuring they met the cultural and dietary needs of diverse communities. 

These measures are part of a broader effort to ensure equitable access to nutrition assistance programs. FNS initiatives have focused on increasing outreach to underserved populations, including Tribal Nations, and supporting food sovereignty. By prioritizing language access and translating key materials into 55 languages, expanding access to online shopping for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and WIC recipients, promoting culturally relevant meals in schools, and lowering eligibility thresholds for free school meals, FNS has taken significant steps in closing the nutrition gap in underserved areas. 

Continued Need for Equity 

Despite these significant improvements, disparities remain. The highest beneficiaries of SNAP are White at 35 percent, while Black/African Americans make up 26 percent, and Latine individuals represent 15.1 percent. This disparity is crucial, as access to SNAP benefits can help reduce the racial gap in food insecurity.  

The improvements made through equity programs, which benefited all recipients, were never about giving preferential treatment but about leveling the playing field for those who have been historically disadvantaged. The reality of these equity plans is far removed from the “radical” or “wasteful” label that Trump’s executive order attaches to them. These initiatives are essential steps toward addressing the deeply entrenched disparities in American society and holding the government accountable for its role in perpetuating inequality. 

Without these equity-focused efforts, the U.S. will continue to see widening disparities in health, economic opportunity, and social mobility. This will increase the divide between those who have access to food and other resources and those who do not. The impact of Trump’s executive order will likely be felt most acutely by communities already struggling with racial and economic inequality. Rather than dismantling efforts to address these disparities, the U.S. government should be building on them, ensuring that the promise of equality and opportunity is truly available to everyone, regardless of their race, religion, or sexual identity.