By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making a significant investment to address food and nutrition insecurity across America.
Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small announced more than $46 million in funding dedicated to enhancing access to nutritious food in underserved communities.
This funding is distributed through the Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program and the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program. These initiatives are designed to strengthen local and regional food systems and increase the availability of healthy food options.
"Healthy, safe, and affordable food is essential for a strong start for children and a healthy life for all of us," stated Deputy Secretary Torres Small. This investment aims to provide healthy food options everywhere, promoting a robust start for children and ongoing health for all.
The investment supports 20 projects that integrate various sectors of the food system to improve national food security trends and local food systems. It is expected to stimulate small agricultural production, enhance food access in low-income areas, and increase community involvement in food security planning.
The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, named after the former USDA Under Secretary, allocates funds to projects that increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables through incentives at the point of sale for eligible families. This program also includes Produce Prescription projects, which are designed to assess the impact of prescribing fresh fruits and vegetables to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
These initiatives align with the White House's challenge to end hunger and promote health, underscoring the USDA’s commitment to eradicating food insecurity and bolstering the nutritional health of the nation.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National