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FDA and USDA (we) are extending the comment period for the notice that appeared in the Federal Register of July 25, 2025. In the notice, we requested data and information to help develop a uniform definition of ultra-processed foods. In response to requests for an extension, we are extending the comment period until Oct. 23, 2025, to allow interested persons additional time to submit comments.
This is an extension, without change, of a currently approved collection. The purpose of performing consumer research is to identify consumers' understanding of proposed nutrition education messages and obtain their reaction to prototypes of nutrition education products, including internet-based tools. The information collected will be used to refine messages and improve the usefulness of products as well as aid consumer understanding of Dietary Guidelines-grounded messages and related materials.
In alignment with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins’ priorities to encourage healthy choices, healthy outcomes, and healthy families and connect America’s farmers to nutrition assistance programs, we are revising the CSFP Maximum Monthly Distribution Rates to reflect the foods currently available in the program.
On Faith and Fellowship Tuesday at the Great American Farmers Market, Secretary Rollins Reaffirms USDA’s Commitment to Upholding Religious Liberties
Washington, D.C., Aug. 5, 2025 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, at Faith and Fellowship Tuesday at the Great American Farmers Market, alongside Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins, and USDA Senior Advisor on Faith and Community Outreach Dr. Alveda King, issued a statement reaffirming the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) steadfast commitment to protecting and upholding religious liberties in all public engagements and federally administered programs.
“Religious freedom is America’s first protected liberty. USDA, founded on the promise to serve Americans equally, will vigorously defend the rights of individuals and organizations to express their faith in accordance with the Constitution of the United States,” said Secretary Rollins. “President Trump made it clear religious liberty is not just a personal right; it’s a national priority. By Executive Order, the President established the Religious Liberty Commission to ensure faith-based expression is protected across our Nation. At USDA, we recognize the Constitution protects religious liberties beyond private beliefs and ensures Americans are free to live out their faith in the public square and their workplaces, and when participating in USDA programs, without fear of retaliation or discrimination.”
The updated USDA guidance (PDF, 1.8 MB) reaffirms long-standing constitutional protections and aligns with recent Supreme Court decisions that clarify the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious liberty consistent with President Trump’s directive to enforce the original constitutional meaning of religious liberty. The statement outlines the Department’s responsibility to safeguard religious expression for individuals, employees, and faith-based organizations who participate in USDA programs.
Key provisions include:
- Employee Religious Expression: Employees and supervisors in private workplaces are permitted to engage in religious expression, including discussing religious views and displaying religious materials.
- Faith-Based Organizations: Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) may participate in USDA programs, such as nutrition assistance, employment training, and food distribution, on equal footing with secular organizations. USDA may not require FBOs to alter their religious identity, messaging, or practices as a condition of participation.
- No Discrimination or Coercion: USDA is prohibited from coercing individuals or organizations to adopt specific beliefs or to prevent their participation in federally funded programs based on religious identity.
The guidance issued today supersedes any prior non-legally binding USDA guidance to the contrary and ensures consistent implementation of religious liberty protections across all mission areas in their engagements with the public.
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This collection is a revision of a currently approved collection for the mandatory collection of summer meal site information from state agencies.
FDA and USDA (we) are requesting data and information to help develop a uniform definition of ultra-processed foods (UPF or UPFs) for human food products in the U.S. food supply. A uniform UPF definition, developed as part of a joint effort by federal agencies, would allow for consistency in research and policy to pave the way for addressing health concerns associated with the consumption of UPFs.
This notice sets forth the interpretation that the U.S. Department of Agriculture uses for the term “Federal public benefit” as used in Title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. In doing so, this notice supersedes any prior interpretation in any notice or other document issued by any USDA agency. This notice also describes and preliminarily identifies the USDA programs that provide “Federal public benefits” within the scope of PRWORA.
This rule removes the Coordinated Services Plan (CSP) requirement for the Summer Food Service Program and Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children Program under the “Implementing Provisions from the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023: Establishing the Summer EBT Program and Rural Non-Congregate Option in the Summer Meal Programs” interim final rule published Dec. 29, 2023.
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide funding allocation amounts for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program for all state agencies for FY 2026, including information on funding requirements and deadlines, and a reminder of important program requirements.