WASHINGTON, D.C. —The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an investment exceeding $46 million. This funding is dedicated to advancing access to healthy foods and fostering local food system resilience, primarily through the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program (CFPCGP) and the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP).
Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small emphasized the critical importance of these initiatives, stating, “Healthy, safe, and affordable food is essential for a strong start for children and a healthy life for all of us.” This investment aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader commitment to ensuring equitable food access and strengthening local food infrastructures.
The CFPCGP is set to finance 20 projects aimed at uniting diverse stakeholders within the food system to collaboratively tackle national food security challenges. These projects are expected to stimulate small-scale agricultural production, enhance food availability in low-income areas, and foster community participation in strategizing for food security enhancements. By bridging gaps in local food systems, these initiatives aim to create sustainable pathways toward increased food security.
GusNIP, named after former USDA Under Secretary Gus Schumacher, continues to expand with 14 awardees receiving a total of $36.3 million in Nutrition Incentive funding. These projects are designed to boost fruit and vegetable consumption among low-income families by offering financial incentives at the point of sale for participants in the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Nutrition Assistance Program Block Grants. The funding encompasses Pilot, Standard, and Large-scale Projects, each tailored to scale their impact and effectiveness.
Additionally, $5.2 million is being allocated to 11 Produce Prescription projects. These initiatives focus on assessing the benefits of prescribing fresh fruits and vegetables as part of healthcare interventions, aiming to increase their intake, diminish food insecurity, and potentially lower healthcare utilization and associated costs.
Through these multifaceted programs, the USDA seeks not only to improve immediate access to nutritious food but also to lay the groundwork for enduring changes in how food systems operate in underserved areas. By addressing both the supply and demand sides of the food equation, these investments are poised to support healthier diets and contribute to the overall well-being of communities nationwide. The USDA’s strategic funding underscores a commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable food systems, ultimately aiming to close the nutritional gaps that persist in many regions.
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