By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a significant investment of $1.7 billion aimed at strengthening food security and supporting rural economies. This initiative, funded through the Commodity Credit Corporation, will purchase locally and regionally produced foods for distribution to schools, child care facilities, and emergency food providers.
A substantial $1.2 billion of this funding will go toward local food purchases, promoting the financial stability of small- and mid-sized producers and expanding their market opportunities. This initiative not only supports American agriculture but also ensures that vulnerable communities have access to nutritious food.
$500 million is allocated for purchasing domestic commodities for emergency food assistance, reinforcing the USDA’s commitment to ensuring no American goes hungry. This round of funding is part of ongoing efforts to support emergency food providers and enhance the nation's food security infrastructure.
The investment also includes specific allocations, such as $200 million for child care facilities, helping them overcome challenges similar to those faced by schools in sourcing affordable, healthy food. These efforts underscore the USDA's broader strategy under the Administration to build more resilient local and regional food production systems, promote fair markets, and ensure equitable access to nutritious food for all communities.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National