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 Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is fulfilling one of its many commitments to counter antisemitism, Islamophobia, and related forms of discrimination and bias and better protect the civil rights of all Americans.

El Servicio de Alimentos y Nutrición (Food and Nutrition Service o FNS, por sus siglas en inglés) del Departamento de Agricultura Estadounidense (USDA) continúa colaborando con la isla de Puerto Rico para abordar las necesidades de los residentes luego de azotar el Huracán Fiona.

FNS continues to work with the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to address the needs of island residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona.

FNS announced today that it will interpret the prohibition on discrimination based on sex found in Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and in the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended, SNAP to include discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. 

During a visit to Columbia University and in celebration of National Nutrition Month, Secretary Vilsack today announced a report detailing USDA's Actions on Nutrition Security. 

USDA today released a re-evaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan, used to calculate SNAP benefits. As a result, the average SNAP benefit – excluding additional funds provided as part of pandemic relief – will increase for fiscal year 2022 beginning on Oct. 1, 2021.

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) announced a 23% increase, or $463.8 million in annual funding for nutrition assistance in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.  In fiscal year 2022, which starts Oct. 1, 2021, the Commonwealth will receive $2.5 billion grant for the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP). In fiscal year 2021, Puerto Rico received $2.038 billion for NAP. 

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service announced a 23% increase, or $1.86 million in annual nutrition assistance for American Samoa. In fiscal year 2022, which starts Oct. 1, 2021, the territory will receive $10.047 million grant for the American Samoa Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP). In fiscal year 2021, American Samoa received $8.185 million for NAP.  

USDA today kicks off a month-long celebration marking 10 years since the introduction of the MyPlate nutrition guidance symbol, which helps consumers make healthy food choices.

USDA today released its June 2020 Cost of Foods Report, announcing a 5.3% increase in the cost of the Thrifty Food Plan from last year. Based on this new update, beginning October 1, SNAP participants’ maximum monthly benefit allotment will be at the highest level in the history of the program.

Deputy Under Secretary Brandon Lipps today highlighted the agency’s many accomplishments over the past year to leverage our nation’s agricultural abundance to ensure every American has access to wholesome, nutritious food, even when they face challenging circumstances.