USDA Announces Funding for Community Food Projects
Last week, the USDA announced just under $1.4 billion of funding for community food projects. The funding from USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture will help 33 projects to foster self-sustaining solutions that help make healthy foods available to families living in low-income neighborhoods.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the funding will “promote efforts to decrease food insecurity through healthy diets and nutrition education.”
A food security report by USDA shows the estimated percentage of U.S. households that were food insecure in 2015 at 12.7%, down from 14.9% in 2011. Vilsack said funding community food projects helps reduce food insecurity.
Locally, the 5th Congressional District, represented by Cathy McMorris Rodgers, will receive $31 million in grant money and Washington will receive the 12th largest sum by state. Most of that will go to various projects at Washington State University.
For a complete breakdown of the funds allocated nationwide, visit USDA's Website.
If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com
More From PNW Ag Network
