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Today USDA announced the selection of eight states to participate in the Pilot Project for Procurement of Unprocessed Fruits and Vegetables, as directed by the Agricultural Act of 2014, also known as the Farm Bill. Under the pilot, California, Connecticut, Michigan, New York, Oregon, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin will be able to increase their purchases of locally-grown fruits and vegetables for their school meal programs.

USDA is commemorating the 40th anniversary of the WIC program. WIC was established in 1974 to reduce infant mortality and improve the health of our nation’s children and is considered one of the most successful, cost-effective and important nutrition intervention programs in the country.

Undersecretary Kevin Concannon today announced the release of just over $5 million in grant funds to identify, track and prevent misuse of SNAP benefits by program recipients.

Under Secretary Kevin Concannon today announced $5 million in grants to streamline processing, improve technology, and strengthen employment and training programs in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The competitively-awarded grants will fund 11 projects in seven states, improving efficiency in local SNAP programs.

USDA today announced that up to $200 million in competitive grants is available for state SNAP agencies to design and conduct employment and training pilot projects to help SNAP participants find jobs and increase their earnings.

Undersecretary Kevin Concannon today announced the release of a Request for Applications from states interested in participating in the Pilot Project for Procurement of Unprocessed Fruits and Vegetables authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.

Undersecretary Kevin Concannon today announced the release of nearly $34 million in fiscal year 2014 funds to WIC agencies in states, territories and Indian tribal organizations in support of technology improvements.

Under Secretary Kevin Concannon announced the availability of up to $7 million in grant funds to prevent recipient trafficking in SNAP.

Congress passed the Hunger-Free Kids Act in 2010 with bipartisan support to help ensure every American child had access to the nutrition they need to grow into healthy adults. One goal of the law was to help reduce America's childhood obesity epidemic and reduce health risks for America's children by helping schools across the country produce balanced meals so children had access to healthy foods during the school day. USDA based the new school meal standards on independent, expert recommendations from the Institute of Medicine to ensure kids are being fed healthy food while they are at school.

Under Secretary Kevin Concannon today announced the release of nearly $60 million in fiscal year 2014 funds to WIC agencies in states, territories, and Indian tribal organizations in support of breastfeeding peer counselor programs in WIC.

Under Secretary Concannon today announced significant progress in combating fraud in SNAP.

Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced new funding opportunities for state agencies and Indian tribal organizations to develop innovative strategies to prevent hunger and food insecurity. 

Secretary Tom Vilsack joined President Barack Obama in Fresno, Calif., today to announce that the USDA will provide additional assistance to help farmers, ranchers and residents affected by severe drought in California. At President Obama's direction, USDA has made implementation of the 2014 Farm Bill livestock disaster assistance programs a top priority and plans to have the programs available for sign up by April 15, 2014.

FNCS Undersecretary Kevin Concannon today announced that USDA is making permanent the current flexibility that allows schools to serve larger portions of lean protein and whole grains at mealtime.