SNAP

On-line nutrition assistance recipients redeemed $9.4 billion in benefits during the first two years of the pandemic.  ERS reported this week redemptions came from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, along with the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer benefits, or P-EBT.  The pro...

The USDA continues to expand opportunities for those on SNAP to shop on-line.  The Department of Ag reported this week more than 150 additional retailer chains now offer online shopping to SNAP participants, representing thousands of stores.  In coll...

This week, Colleen Donovan talks about the many programs working to get fresh fruits and vegetables in the hands of those that needs them.     If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@to...

With conversations over the 2023 Farm Bill set to begin in earnest in the coming months, many in the farming community are asking if the farm portions of the legislation and nutrition segments be separated.  Todd Nash, President of the Oregon Cattleman’s Association said he doesn’t have an issue with those nutritional elements, such as SNAP and WIC being included in the Farm Bill.   But what he ..

Over the years, there’s been some talk of splitting farm programs and nutrition programs in the Farm Bill, and making them separate pieces of legislation.  However, Utah Farm Bureau member Tyson Roberts said the two programs need to be connected.   Robert...

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 ...