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Today, USDA announced the launch of its first ever Alexa skill, a digital tool for parents and caregivers of infants and toddlers ages 4 – 24 months. Families who use the MyPlate Alexa skill receive nutrition information on what and how to feed their child based on their age.

USDA is investing $12 million in Farm to School Grants this year, announcing awards to 176 grantees, the most projects funded since the program began in 2013.

Secretary Tom Vilsack has directed USDA to aid recovery efforts for farmers, ranchers and residents affected by Tropical Storm Elsa – the fifth named storm in what has already been a very active hurricane season.

Secretary Tom Vilsack has directed USDA to aid recovery efforts for residents, farmers and ranchers affected by the devastation across the Southeast caused by Tropical Storm Claudette. USDA staff in regional, state and county offices are ready to respond and are providing a variety of program flexibilities and other assistance to affected communities and agricultural producers.

Nearly nine out of 10 SNAP participants face barriers in providing their household with a healthy diet throughout the month, based on a USDA study released today.

Led by USDA, the United States is joining a global coalition focused on improving the nutrition, health, and education of vulnerable children and adolescents worldwide.

USDA today published a Federal Register notice requesting public input on its efforts to advance racial justice and equity across the Department. 

In January 2021, President Biden released the National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness. The plan is driven by science, data and public health to improve the effectiveness of our nation’s fight against COVID-19 and to restore trust, accountability and a sense of common purpose in our response to the pandemic.

USDA today announced an investment of up to $1 billion, including $500 million in American Rescue Plan funding, in TEFAP to support and expand the emergency food network so food banks and local organizations can reliably serve their communities.

In January 2021, President Biden released the National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness. The plan is driven by science, data, and public health to improve the effectiveness of our nation’s fight against COVID-19 and to restore trust, accountability and a sense of common purpose in our response to the pandemic.

USDA today kicks off a month-long celebration marking 10 years since the introduction of the MyPlate nutrition guidance symbol, which helps consumers make healthy food choices.

USDA today kicked off the 12th annual government-wide Feds Feed Families campaign, which encourages employees from all federal departments and agencies to give in-kind contributions -- food, services, and time -- to food banks and pantries.

The President proposes historic investments to spur new job creation and opportunities in rural America; help restore America’s advantage in agriculture; leverage all of USDA’s expertise to address climate change; and support a stronger nutrition safety net.

USDA announced it will purchase up to $159.4 million in domestically produced seafood, fruits, legumes, and nuts for distribution to a variety of domestic food assistance programs, including charitable institutions. This is one of many actions USDA is taking to address the disruptions in the food system supply chain and worsened food insecurity resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In January 2021, President Biden released the National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness. The plan is driven by science, data, and public health to improve the effectiveness of our nation’s fight against COVID-19 and to restore trust, accountability and a sense of common purpose in our response to the pandemic.

Since Jan. 20, 2021, the Biden-Harris Administration has been on a mission to Build Back Better. From the American Rescue Plan to the American Jobs Plan and now with the introduction of the American Families Plan, action has been taken to provide relief to the American people, and the necessary investments have been made to rescue and begin to rebuild our economy.

USDA is providing states with $1.135 billion from the American Rescue Plan Act to support and enhance their administration of SNAP at a time when millions of Americans are struggling to put food on their tables.

Participants in USDA's WIC program may soon see a temporary increase to their benefits for the purchase of fruits and vegetables.