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Serving Rural America’s Kids And Families

By Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack
 
Every parent’s wish is for their children to thrive and prosper. Yet, too many of our nation’s families still live in poverty, despite doing their best to make ends meet. Rural families and children have additional challenges as schools, healthcare services, healthy food choices, jobs, and other opportunities are often miles away in a different town, county or even state. The Obama Administration is committed to these families, and believes that all children — no matter where they live —  should have an opportunity to succeed.
 
Today, President Obama and I met with eight members of the National 4-H community in the Oval Office. Each one of them had an inspiring story about how they are opening up new doors for kids in their hometowns, and how this work is building stronger communities where they can learn, play and grow.
 
We wanted to take a moment to introduce you to these young leaders and tell you about the projects that encouraged President Obama to invite them to the White House to say “thank you”.  Investing in kids like these is an investment in America’s future.
 
The White House Rural Council, which I Chair, is taking on rural child poverty as a top priority. Learn more about our plan to leverage federal resources and partner with others to help these families succeed.  We will be working directly with kids and families to help them create more opportunities for themselves, their communities and their future.
 
You too can be a part of the solution. Visit serve.gov and use #ServeRural to help us build up one community at a time – starting with yours.
 

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2024 AGM Day 1 - Agriculture Matters

Video: 2024 AGM Day 1 - Agriculture Matters

In this diverse and dynamic discussion, our panelists will share unique insights on why agriculture matters in ensuring food security, addressing environmental challenges, and navigating economic landscapes. From the fresh perspectives of 5th generation producer Mady Adamson, to the on-farm and business savvy of Manitoba’s own Paul Spenst, to the wisdom of former CEO and marketing expert Kim McConnell and his 40+ years in the business, we aim to explore the common ground that binds generations in recognizing the profound impact of agriculture.

This inclusive dialogue will not only bridge generational gaps but also emphasize the enduring relevance of agriculture across urban and rural Canada, particularly when faced with the realities of continued pressures on our supply chain that continue to drive up the cost of food and food production. Join us for an enriching discussion that spans the ages, unifying diverse viewpoints to foster a collective understanding of the vital role agriculture plays in building a prosperous and sustainable future.