Blog
FNS Programs at Work in the San Francisco Bay Area
In early August, Deputy Under Secretary Stacy Dean and Administrator Cindy Long travelled to San Francisco for meetings and events related to the work FNS does to support local communities - visiting programs that have an impact on addressing hunger.
08/23/2022
Blog
FNS Honors Traditions and Supports the Sovereignty of Tribal Nations
Tribal nations across what we now consider the Great Plains relied for millennia on their buffalo relatives for food, medicine, clothing, tools, and shelter. Yet today it is hard to find buffalo meat on school meal trays in the very areas where they once sustained Native communities. FNS is working with tribal partners to figure out why and to remove the barriers we can.
08/18/2022
Blog
Your Market is Only a Few Clicks Away: Navigating USDA’s Local Food Directories
USDA’s Local Food Directories make it easy for customers to find fresh local foods through four local outlets. Recent updates have made the directories easier to use on the go, on your phone or computer. We’ve also launched a new directory for agritourism. As the platform continues to grow, here are a few tips on how to navigate this resource.
08/15/2022
Blog
Discovering Trends in the 2019 National Farmers Market Managers Survey
The 2019 National Farmers Market Survey conducted by the USDA’s AMS and the NASS collected data regarding the market practices of managers in 2019 from 10,000 farmers markets. Using trends and statistics found from these efforts, AMS and Wheaton College created five research briefs highlighting results from this survey and sharing insights into the trajectory for farmers markets into the future.
08/15/2022
Blog
USDA Celebrates National Farmers Market Week
Secretary Thomas Vilsack has proclaimed August 7-13 as National Farmers Market Week in order to champion the direct-to-consumer producers, market managers, and customers that make their communities come alive during market days. USDA recognizes and celebrates those that make farmers market happen, and customers that continue to support them.
08/08/2022
Blog
Enrollment in Head Start Programs Now Easier for Families
On May 9, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families and USDA's Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services partnered to celebrate a step forward in streamlining access to crucial government programs.
07/15/2022
Blog
Harvesting Health All Summer Long
The FNS Turnip the Beet awards recognize outstanding summer meal program sponsors for going above and beyond, ensuring children receive high quality meals in a fun, safe and healthy learning environment when school is out.
07/06/2022
Blog
Cooking up Success as a CACFP Sponsor
The FNS Mid-Atlantic Region recently joined forces with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture to recognize Programs for Parents, a Child and Adult Care Food Program sponsor in Essex County, NJ, with a regional CACFP Achievement Award for their creative and dedicated efforts to promote nutrition security among children.
06/22/2022
Blog
Caring for Our Clients
To all WIC staff around the U.S., territories, and tribal nations, we are grateful for your creative problem-solving and commitment to caring for people during this challenging time.
06/13/2022
Blog
Welcoming Dad to the WIC Family
When enrolling moms into the USDA WIC, less than 30% of state agencies in Connecticut were asking for the fathers name. We don't encourage dads to step up and then we wonder why they don't show up.
06/09/2022
Blog
Nutrition Security in Action: A New Blog Series
It’s an honor to serve as USDA’s first director of nutrition security and health equity at the Food and Nutrition Service. In this role I have the privilege of working to ensure all Americans have consistent access to safe, healthy, and affordable foods essential to optimal health and well-being.
06/03/2022
Blog
Keeping Infants Safe in Midst of Formula Shortages
The ongoing infant formula shortage due to supply chain issues, which worsened due to a major formula recall in February, has left many caregivers feeling concerned and anxious about their options for safely feeding their infants.
05/13/2022
Page updated: February 25, 2021