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USDA Disaster Assistance
News Item
Food Help on the Way for Arkansas Households Hit by Tornadoes and Severe Storms

Approximately 7,000 families in Cross and Pulaski County affected by recent tornadoes and severe storms will soon be able to receive food packages containing nutritious, high-quality foods that are 100% grown and produced on farms in the U.S. – known as USDA Foods. USDA approved the short-term measure to address an immediate need for food until a longer-term solution is ready to be put in place.

04/11/2023
COVID Virus
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FACT SHEET: Update on USDA Activities to Contain the COVID-19 Pandemic

In January 2021, President Biden released the National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness. The plan is driven by science, data, and public health to improve the effectiveness of our nation’s fight against COVID-19 and to restore trust, accountability and a sense of common purpose in our response to the pandemic.

05/05/2021
COVID Virus
News Item
FACT SHEET: Update on USDA Activities to Contain the COVID-19 Pandemic

In January 2021, President Biden released the National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness. The plan is driven by science, data, and public health to improve the effectiveness of our nation’s fight against COVID-19 and to restore trust, accountability and a sense of common purpose in our response to the pandemic.

04/01/2021
COVID Virus
News Item
FACT SHEET: Update on USDA Activities to Contain the COVID-19 Pandemic

In January 2021, President Biden released the National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness. The plan is driven by science, data, and public health to improve the effectiveness of our nation’s fight against COVID-19 and to restore trust, accountability and a sense of common purpose in our response to the pandemic. 

03/24/2021
COVID Virus
News Item
FACT SHEET: Update on USDA Activities to Contain the COVID-19 Pandemic

In January 2021, President Biden released the National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness. The plan is driven by science, data, and public health to improve the effectiveness of our nation’s fight against COVID-19 and to restore trust, accountability and a sense of common purpose in our response to the pandemic.

03/17/2021
COVID Virus
News Item
FACT SHEET: Update on USDA Activities to Contain the COVID-19 Pandemic

In January 2021, President Biden released the National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness. The plan is driven by science, data, and public health to improve the effectiveness of our nation’s fight against COVID-19 and to restore trust, accountability and a sense of common purpose in our response to the pandemic.

03/10/2021
USDA Extends Free Meals for All Kids
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ICYMI: USDA Extends Free Meals for All Kids

President Donald Trump proclaimed this week National School Lunch Week 2020, highlighting the vital role of school nutrition professionals in ensuring that children in all communities nationwide continue to get nutritious meals, despite the challenges posed by the current public health emergency.

10/16/2020
Find Meals for Kids
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USDA Announces Online Tool to Help Families Find Meals for Kids During COVID-19 Emergency 

USDA today announced the launch of an online tool – the “Meals for Kids” Site Finder – to help families find meals for children while schools are closed during the coronavirus pandemic. This is the latest in a series of swift actions USDA has taken to keep children and low-income individuals fed during the ongoing health crisis. 

04/03/2020
USDA Continues Focus on Service During COVID-19 Outbreak
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USDA Continues Focus on Service During COVID-19 Outbreak

While President Donald J. Trump continues to take action during this COVID-19 National Emergency and enact measures to ensure Americans are safe, secure, and healthy, USDA continues to be open for business to provide services to the American people.

03/17/2020
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USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service provides disaster relief, innovation and flexibility through federal nutrition assistance programs

Acting FNCS Deputy Under Secretary Brandon Lipps today highlighted the vital work FNS has done this year to provide food assistance to the millions of Americans impacted by unprecedented hurricanes and wildfires, as well as the numerous actions FNCS has taken to promote self-sufficiency, integrity, and customer service within federal nutrition programs.

12/21/2017
News Item
USDA Helps Schools Feed Kids in Hurricane-Hit Georgia, Florida

Students in Georgia schools affected by Hurricane Irma will be provided free meals through the end of September, USDA announced today, along with additional flexibilities in federal child nutrition programs in Georgia and Florida aimed at making it easy for children to be fed.

09/19/2017
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USDA Assists Florida Children Affected by Irma

USDA announced today it is making it easier for Florida schools affected by Hurricane Irma to feed students during this time of great need. The measures will potentially impact over 1,800 schools and 1.4 million children.

09/16/2017
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Secretary Perdue Announces New Leadership for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services

Secretary Sonny Perdue today named three individuals to take on leadership roles within the USDA's Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services. Brandon Lipps will serve as the Administrator  and also as Acting Deputy Under Secretary until the Senate confirms a permanent presidential-nominated appointee.  In addition, Maggie Lyons will serve as Chief of Staff and senior advisor to the Under Secretary, while Kailee Tkacz will serve as policy advisor. 

07/20/2017
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USDA Announces Grants to Support Strategies to Reduce Child Food Insecurity in Rural Communities

Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the USDA Rural Child Poverty Nutrition Center at the University of Kentucky awarded $1.3 million in grants to help reduce child food insecurity in 17 rural communities. The funding, ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, will help these rural communities implement creative strategies to improve access to federal nutrition assistance for families and children. Secretary Vilsack made the announcement during a panel discussion on the current state of food and nutrition in America hosted by the Bipartisan Policy Center.

03/09/2016
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USDA Announces $97 Million Available to Expand Access to Healthy Food, Support Rural Economies

In a speech at the National Farmers Union Convention today, Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the availability of $96.8 million in grants to fund innovative projects designed to support specialty crop producers, local food entrepreneurs, and farm to school efforts, which in turn will increase access to healthy, nutritious food for American families and children.

03/16/2015
News Item
USDA Announces Nationwide Expansion of Team Up for School Nutrition Success Initiative

Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced additional support for schools working to serve school children healthy meals with the nationwide expansion of the Team Up for School Nutrition Success Initiative. The initiative will provide school nutrition personnel across the country tailored technical assistance and peer to peer mentoring. 

03/09/2015
Page updated: February 09, 2021