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Under Secretary Kevin Concannon today announced that more than half of the nation’s high-poverty schools are now offering breakfasts and lunches to students at no cost through the new Community Eligibility Provision, made possible by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. The provision improves access to nutritious meals for low-income students while reducing administrative burdens for households and schools.

Today USDA announced the selection of eight states to participate in the Pilot Project for Procurement of Unprocessed Fruits and Vegetables, as directed by the Agricultural Act of 2014, also known as the Farm Bill. Under the pilot, California, Connecticut, Michigan, New York, Oregon, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin will be able to increase their purchases of locally-grown fruits and vegetables for their school meal programs.

Secretary Vilsack today announced more than $5 million in grants for 82 projects spanning 42 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands that support USDA efforts to connect school cafeterias with local farmers and ranchers through its Farm to School Program. The program helps schools purchase more food from local farmers and ranchers in their communities, expanding access to healthy local food for school children and supporting local economies.

Complementary programs that extend the reach of the USDA summer meal programs could help reduce childhood food insecurity during the summer, according to three studies released today by FNS. The studies found that making enhancements to the traditional program, or utilizing alternate methods of reaching eligible children, could reach additional children and reduce childhood food insecurity during the summer to levels normally seen in the fall.

USDA is commemorating the 40th anniversary of the WIC program. WIC was established in 1974 to reduce infant mortality and improve the health of our nation’s children and is considered one of the most successful, cost-effective and important nutrition intervention programs in the country.

USDA awarded $4 million in grants to establish four regional centers of excellence for research on nutrition education and obesity prevention, as well as a coordinating center, which will develop and test innovative nutrition education and obesity prevention interventions for underserved, low-income families.

Undersecretary Kevin Concannon today announced the release of just over $5 million in grant funds to identify, track and prevent misuse of SNAP benefits by program recipients.

Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture is making up to $31.5 million in funding available to help SNAP participants more easily afford healthy foods like fruits and vegetables.

Under Secretary Kevin Concannon today announced $5 million in grants to streamline processing, improve technology, and strengthen employment and training programs in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The competitively-awarded grants will fund 11 projects in seven states, improving efficiency in local SNAP programs.

Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that up to $2.5 million is available to establish the USDA Rural Child Poverty Nutrition Center. This competitive grant is part of USDA's efforts to reduce childhood food insecurity in rural communities in America.

Tal como lo requirió el Congreso mediante la Ley Agrícola de 2014 (conocida en inglés como Farm Bill), los detallistas que están autorizados a aceptar los beneficios del programa Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program o SNAP deben solicitar y pagar sus propios equipos, suministros y servicios relacionados para la Trasferencia Electrónica de Beneficios (Electronic Benefit Transfer o EBT).

As required by the Agricultural Act of 2014, retailers already authorized to accept SNAP benefits must arrange and pay for their own Electronic Benefit Transfer equipment, supplies, and related services.

USDA today announced that up to $200 million in competitive grants is available for state SNAP agencies to design and conduct employment and training pilot projects to help SNAP participants find jobs and increase their earnings.

Under Secretary Kevin Concannon today announced additional tools to help schools serve healthier meals and snacks as students return for the new school year.

New USDA data shows that participants in SNAP)can now purchase fresh fruits and vegetables directly from farmers through more than 5,000 farmers markets, roadside markets and pick-your-own operations across America. 

USDA is seeking public input concerning a proposal to provide more information to the public about the amount of SNAP benefits used by participants at individual grocery stores and retailers. USDA's goal is to provide as much transparency as possible on retailer data within the limits of the law.

Undersecretary Kevin Concannon today announced the release of a Request for Applications from states interested in participating in the Pilot Project for Procurement of Unprocessed Fruits and Vegetables authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.

Undersecretary Kevin Concannon today announced the release of nearly $34 million in fiscal year 2014 funds to WIC agencies in states, territories and Indian tribal organizations in support of technology improvements.

Under Secretary Kevin Concannon announced the availability of up to $7 million in grant funds to prevent recipient trafficking in SNAP.

Today, the USDA unveiled Healthy Eating on a Budget – the newest addition to ChooseMyPlate.gov. The USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion developed the new resource to include easy-to-use and insightful information about planning meals, shopping smart in the grocery store, and preparing foods that save money and time in the kitchen.