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To help residents, farmers, and ranchers affected by the recent flooding in Tennessee, Secretary Tom Vilsack has directed USDA to aid recovery efforts. USDA staff in the regional, state, and county offices are responding and providing a variety of program flexibilities and other assistance to residents, agricultural producers and impacted communities.

USDA reminds communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses in the path of Tropical Storm Henri that USDA has programs that provide assistance in the wake of disasters. USDA staff in the regional, state and county offices stand ready and are eager to help.

Today, the FNS Western Regional Office recognized outstanding WIC agencies in the region for the work they have done to strengthen breastfeeding programs in their communities. The recognition program is part of FNS’s WIC Breastfeeding Awards of Excellence program.

USDA announced today an investment of $69 million to address critical food and nutrition security needs of low-income communities enduring the pandemic, enhance the resilience of food and healthcare systems impacted by the pandemic, and maximize funds reaching participants.

Low-income Tennessee residents recovering from recent severe storms in three counties - Davidson, Williamson and Wilson, could be eligible for a helping hand from USDA’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program..

USDA today released a re-evaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan, used to calculate SNAP benefits. As a result, the average SNAP benefit – excluding additional funds provided as part of pandemic relief – will increase for fiscal year 2022 beginning on Oct. 1, 2021.

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service announced a 23% increase, or $1.86 million in annual nutrition assistance for American Samoa. In fiscal year 2022, which starts Oct. 1, 2021, the territory will receive $10.047 million grant for the American Samoa Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP). In fiscal year 2021, American Samoa received $8.185 million for NAP.  

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) announced a 23% increase, or $463.8 million in annual funding for nutrition assistance in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.  In fiscal year 2022, which starts Oct. 1, 2021, the Commonwealth will receive $2.5 billion grant for the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP). In fiscal year 2021, Puerto Rico received $2.038 billion for NAP. 

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.