The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), under the Administration, has announced an allocation of $2.7 billion in funding to assist American producers, school meal programs, and emergency food operations. Through the Commodity Credit Corporation, approximately $1.3 billion will be provided to states for the purchase of domestic foods intended for distribution in school meal programs. An additional $1 billion will support emergency food providers, such as food banks and community kitchens, as they contend with high demand and disruptions in the supply chain. These measures align with USDA's broader objective of enhancing access to nutritious food grown by American producers.
USDA is making available up to $400 million in grants to support domestic fertilizer production capacity. The funds will contribute to lowering costs for producers and promoting the availability of reliable and affordable sources of nutrients required for agricultural commodity production in the United States.
The investment in school meal programs addresses the increased food and labor costs that will continue to impact these programs into the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. USDA remains committed to providing resources to ensure that schools can continue to offer nutritious meals to support the growth and development of children.
To address food and nutrition insecurity, USDA is directing funds towards commodity purchases from U.S. farmers to bolster the emergency food network. The funding aims to assist the millions of American households facing challenges related to food access and nutrition. This additional support builds upon previous funding provided in September 2022 and enables states to order American-grown commodities from USDA for emergency food providers.
Through these initiatives, USDA aims to bolster the agricultural industry, support food programs, and strengthen domestic fertilizer production capacity, all while ensuring access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food for communities across the nation.
Source : wisconsinagconnection