$14.3M Boost for local foods in US schools

Jul 16, 2024

USDA's record investment aims to enhance meal quality in schools

By Farms.com

The USDA has announced a groundbreaking investment of $14.3 million in the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants, marking the largest allocation to date aimed at improving school meal quality and supporting local agriculture.

This funding will assist 154 projects in 43 states plus territories, impacting approximately 1.9 million students by providing them access to fresh, locally sourced foods.

This initiative not only aims to improve the nutritional intake of students but also supports local farmers, making schools a pivotal market for local agriculture.

The grants are an integral part of the Biden-Harris Administration's initiative to end hunger and enhance health through better nutrition by 2030.

Secretary Vilsack emphasized the dual benefits of the program, highlighting its role in combating food and nutrition insecurity among children while supporting local economies.

The program facilitates educational opportunities for students, including hands-on activities like gardening, which enrich their understanding of food systems and encourage healthy eating habits.

The new USDA regulations also support the initiative by allowing schools more flexibility to source locally grown, unprocessed foods, thus fostering an environment where children learn to appreciate the importance of nutrition from a young age.

Through these comprehensive efforts, the USDA continues to demonstrate its commitment to transforming school food environments, enhancing children’s health, and supporting American agriculture.

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.