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The USDA, through a cooperative agreement with FNS and the Food Research & Action Center, has awarded $16 million in subgrants funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to 36 projects aimed at testing innovative outreach strategies to increase participation and equity in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, known as WIC.

The Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service is announcing a series of grant opportunities funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 aimed at innovating and modernizing the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, known as WIC.

USDA announced several actions to expand support for and access to the school meal programs, including awarding $50 million in grants that will increase collaboration between schools, food producers and suppliers, and other partners to develop nutritious, appetizing school meals for kids.

FNS is announcing proposed changes to allow online ordering in the WIC program. This effort will create simpler, more equitable grocery shopping options for families served by WIC. 

USDA announced an investment of $750,000 to support the development of the public health workforce within WIC. This project is part of a joint agency initiative between USDA’s National Institute for Food and Agriculture and the Food and Nutrition Service.

FNS is increasing the reimbursement rates that child nutrition program operators receive for meals served in Puerto Rico from 17% to 30% above the contiguous United States (CONUS) rates. The increased rates will also apply to Hawaii, Guam, and U.S. Virgin Islands as those locations also face unique hurdles associated with obtaining ingredients and getting needed supplies in island economies.

USDA FNS today recognized significant progress made across the nation’s nutrition assistance programs and broader nutrition security efforts during the Biden-Harris second year in office. As President Biden prepares for the 2023 State of the Union address, he will reflect on last year’s progress and forge ahead in the fight against hunger and increase access to nutritious foods for all Americans by supporting vital FNS programs that assist families in navigating the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, such as high food costs and supply shortages.

FNS today announced $50 million in grants to 47 states and tribes to modernize and expand the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program at farmers markets, roadside stands and community supported agriculture programs. These grants will allow states to reach more eligible seniors by funding the $50 maximum benefit for up to 250,000 more eligible seniors, while expanding geographic areas served and transitioning to online training and electronic benefits transfer in some states.

This month, Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is proposing changes to the foods prescribed to participants in WIC. See what others are saying about the proposed changes.

FNS is announcing proposed changes to the foods prescribed to WIC participants. These science-based revisions incorporate recommendations from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine  and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025.

USDA FNS today launched a new and innovative initiative for healthier school meals through a $50 million grant opportunity that will support collaboration with the food industry to develop nutritious, appetizing school meals for students. This launch follows through on a commitment made in the administration’s National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition and Health.