Newsroom

USDA reminds rural communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Laura that USDA has programs that provide assistance in the wake of disasters. USDA staff in the regional, state and county offices are actively responding, providing emergency response staffing and a variety of program flexibilities and other assistance to residents, agricultural producers, and impacted communities at large.

USDA issued the following notice today to protect SNAP participants, after receiving reports of several possible SNAP Fraud attempts.

USDA today announced that low-income Iowa residents in 10 additional counties recovering from the effects of the derecho storm that hit the Midwest in August could be eligible for a helping hand from the USDA Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Last week, Secretary Sonny Perdue announced  USDA will extend several flexibilities through as late as Dec. 31, 2020. The flexibilities allow summer meal program operators to continue serving free meals to all children into the fall months. This unprecedented move will help ensure – no matter what the situation is on-the-ground – children have access to nutritious food as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

USDA announced today that low-income Louisiana residents recovering from Hurricane Laura could be eligible for a helping hand from the USDA’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. 

Today, Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the USDA will extend several flexibilities through as late as Dec. 31, 2020. The flexibilities allow summer meal program operators to continue serving free meals to all children into the fall months.

USDA announced today that low-income Iowa residents recovering from the effects of the derecho storm that hit the Midwest earlier this month could be eligible for a helping hand from the USDA’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. 

USDA reminds communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses in the path of Tropical Storms Marco and Laura that USDA has programs that provide assistance in the wake of disasters.

Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced the approval of Idaho to operate Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer. This new program provides the value of school breakfast and lunch to families of children who would otherwise receive free and reduced-price school meals, if not for COVID-related school closures.

USDA today announced the award of nearly $1 million for an innovative pilot program designed to encourage SNAP participants to purchase and consume milk as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Secretary Perdue announced today that the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program has distributed over 50 million food boxes in support of American farmers and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

USDA today released its June 2020 Cost of Foods Report, announcing a 5.3% increase in the cost of the Thrifty Food Plan from last year. Based on this new update, beginning October 1, SNAP participants’ maximum monthly benefit allotment will be at the highest level in the history of the program.

Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced approval of a request from Arkansas and Hawaii to provide online purchasing of food to SNAP households. This approval will allow Arkansas and Hawaii to expedite the implementation of online purchasing with currently authorized SNAP online retailers with a target start date to be announced at a later time.

Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced approval of a request from North Dakota to provide online purchasing of food to SNAP households This approval will allow North Dakota to expedite the implementation of online purchasing with currently authorized SNAP online retailers with a target start date to be announced at a later time.

In partnership with tribes across the country, the USDA announced additional food for families in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The increased food assistance will temporarily supplement the monthly food package FDPIR households currently receive.

Secretary Sonny Perdue lauded the achievement of its Meals to You partnership, which has now delivered more than 28.5 million meals to the doorsteps of low-income kids in rural communities across America during the COVID-19 health crisis.

USDA today posted the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s final scientific report, an objective review of the latest available science on specific nutrition topics. The report’s evidence-based findings will inform USDA and HHS as they co-develop the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which will provide recommendations on what to eat and drink to promote health and prevent chronic disease. 

Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced Nevada has been approved to operate Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer, a new program authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act which provides assistance to families of children eligible for free or reduced-price meals dealing with school closures.

Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced Utah has been approved to operate Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer, a new program authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act  which provides assistance to families of children eligible for free or reduced-price meals dealing with school closures.