Newsroom

FNS is announcing proposed changes to allow online ordering in the WIC program. This effort will create simpler, more equitable grocery shopping options for families served by WIC. 

USDA announced an investment of $750,000 to support the development of the public health workforce within WIC. This project is part of a joint agency initiative between USDA’s National Institute for Food and Agriculture and the Food and Nutrition Service.

The administration is equipping emergency food providers with significant levels of investments so they can continue serving their communities well through ongoing and evolving challenges. These investments focus on additional food purchases, improving infrastructure, supporting health and nutrition, bolstering local food systems, and promoting access and equity to continue to drive toward a stronger tomorrow.

To address food insecurity in the U.S. Virgin Islands and provide more equitable resources to remote locations, FNS is increasing the reimbursement rates that child nutrition program operators receive for meals served in U.S. Virgin Islands from 17% to 30% above the contiguous United States rates.

FNS is increasing the reimbursement rates that child nutrition program operators receive for meals served in Puerto Rico from 17% to 30% above the contiguous United States (CONUS) rates. The increased rates will also apply to Hawaii, Guam, and U.S. Virgin Islands as those locations also face unique hurdles associated with obtaining ingredients and getting needed supplies in island economies.

FNS is increasing the reimbursement rates that child nutrition program operators receive for meals served in Guam from 17% to 30% above the contiguous United States rates. In recognition of the higher food costs in these locations, the increased reimbursement rates will begin on July 1 to help ensure Guam schools have access to the resources needed to continue serving children nutritious, high-quality food while also building a stronger, more competitive, and more resilient local food system.

FNS is increasing the reimbursement rates that child nutrition program operators receive for meals served in Hawaii from 17% to 30% above the contiguous United States rates. In recognition of the higher food costs in these locations, the increased reimbursement rates will begin on July 1 to help ensure Hawaii schools have access to the resources needed to continue serving children nutritious, high-quality food while also building a stronger, more competitive, and more resilient local food system.

USDA FNS today recognized significant progress made across the nation’s nutrition assistance programs and broader nutrition security efforts during the Biden-Harris second year in office. As President Biden prepares for the 2023 State of the Union address, he will reflect on last year’s progress and forge ahead in the fight against hunger and increase access to nutritious foods for all Americans by supporting vital FNS programs that assist families in navigating the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, such as high food costs and supply shortages.

USDA announced that low-income California residents recovering from severe storms that began on Dec. 27, 2022, which caused flooding, landslides, and mudslides, could be eligible for a helping hand from the USDA’s D-SNAP. 

Today, the Agriculture Secretary announced major initiatives at USDA that will support and enhance the health of America's children through nutritious school meals.

FNS today announced $50 million in grants to 47 states and tribes to modernize and expand the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program at farmers markets, roadside stands and community supported agriculture programs. These grants will allow states to reach more eligible seniors by funding the $50 maximum benefit for up to 250,000 more eligible seniors, while expanding geographic areas served and transitioning to online training and electronic benefits transfer in some states.

HHS Secretary and USDA Secretary today announced the appointment of 20 nationally recognized scientists to serve on the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. 

USDA FNS is improving access to fruits and vegetables by expanding the SNAP, healthy incentive initiatives. This year, FNS will select up to three states to receive funding and support to run an Electronic Healthy Incentives Pilot, or eHIP, for SNAP participants in their state.