SNAP

House Democrats introduced a bill that would reauthorize child nutrition programs. Those programs include school meals, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as WIC, and a host of smaller programs.   According to the Hagstrom Report child nutrition programs haven’t gotten reauthorized since 2010’s Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act.  The School Nutritio...

In today's Farmers Market Minute, Colleen Donovan with the Washington State Farmers Market Association talks about how markets across the state help customers stretch their dollars in a variety of ways.   If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia.com...

On Monday, the Biden Administration submitted to Congress the President’s budget for fiscal year 2023. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the budget "provides USDA with the tools needed to support a vibrant, revitalized, and prosperous rural America." ...

During his 1964 State of the Union address, then president Lyndon Johnson said: "We must distribute more food to the needy through a broader food stamp program." Of course, the USDA has operated some sort of food stamp program since 1939; today it is called SNAP ...

The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service recently awarded nearly $53 million to state and local agencies and partners to enhance SNAP. The grants, released throughout August and September 2021, help ensure program operators and partners have the resources, support, and capacity to deliver SNAP benefits efficiently and effectively. F ...

Several farmers markets are starting to bounce back from the 2020 season. And one of those markets, the Yakima Farmers Market, is enjoying great sales numbers. If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia... Read More ...

Families in Louisiana affected by Hurricane Ida will soon be able to receive food packages containing USDA Foods. The Department of Agriculture approved the short-term measure to address an immediate need for food until a longer-term solution is ready ...

Danielle Evans with the Clarkston Farmers Market talks about how they work to help customers get the most out of their weekly visit. If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia.com

In a flurry of activity ahead of the August recess, the House of Representatives will consider appropriation bills this week, including the agriculture spending bill. The process began Monday with the House Rules Committee. The 2022 agriculture spending bill provides discretionary funding of $26 ...

The USDA is wants to get your opinion when it comes to ways they can improve online purchasing at farmers markets for SNAP participants.  "Right now SNAP participants if they want to purchase at farmers markets they can either order online but not actually pay for it online." S ...