Newsroom

The state of North Carolina will be able to better serve participants through WIC in the wake of Hurricane Florence, thanks to operational flexibilities approved for their use by USDA) The state will be able to issue benefits remotely and waive some nutrition education requirements in places where offices are closed, as well as replace September food benefits that were damaged or lost during the hurricane.

USDA today granted flexibility to allow South Carolina residents to replace food purchased with SNAP benefits that was lost due to power outages and flooding caused by Hurricane Florence. Over 185,000 impacted households in 26 counties now have until Oct. 15, 2018 to report food loss to the state and request replacement benefits.

USDA today announced the projects selected to receive the its annual farm to school grants designed to increase the amount of local foods served in schools. Sixty-five projects were chosen nationwide.

USDA yesterday approved a waiver that will allow SNAP participants in North Carolina to buy hot foods with their benefits through Oct. 31, 2018.

USDA today announced the public call for nominations to the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. The independent advisory committee will review the scientific evidence to help inform the next edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Secretary Sonny Perdue today proclaimed Aug. 1-7 as National WIC Breastfeeding Week. Each year, National WIC Breastfeeding Week is held in conjunction with World Breastfeeding Week during the first week of August to promote and support breastfeeding as the best source of nutrition for a baby’s first year of life. 

Administrator Brandon Lipps offers the following statement in response to the recent news about access to farmers markets for participants in SNAP.

For the first time in three years, USDA today released new data on improper payments in SNAP. This data reflects an improved reporting process that will better enable USDA and its state partners to make informed, data-driven decisions to improve program integrity.

FNS today announced $5.2 million in grant awards to bring nutritious, local foods into schools and create new economic opportunities for farmers. The grants will impact over 6,000 schools and 2.8 million students nationwide.

As part of Agriculture Secretary Perdue’s strategic goal of ensuring that our programs are delivered efficiently, effectively and with integrity, FNS announced an enhanced focus on program integrity today, that will include renewed attention on transparency, payment accuracy, fraud and waste prevention, and improved quality control.

Deputy Secretary Steve Censky today announced two new efforts to provide states and school districts with additional flexibility and support to operate more efficient school meal programs. Censky made the announcement during a speech at the School Nutrition Association Legislative Action Conference.

The USDA and U.S. HHS today announced a new step in the DGA development process. 

USDA today announced that it is looking for innovative ideas to promote work and self-sufficiency among able-bodied adults participating in SNAP. 

Los residentes de Puerto Rico que siguen recuperándose tras el impacto de los huracanes pudieran ser elegibles para mayor asistencia nutricional, gracias a una subvención del Departamento de Agricultura de EE. UU. (USDA). Esta asistencia temporal será distribuida a través del Programa de Asistencia Nutricional (PAN) de Puerto Rico, comenzando el 1 de marzo. El PAN es administrado por el USDA y operado por el Departamento de la Familia de Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico residents continuing to recover from the impacts of recent hurricanes could be eligible for increased nutrition assistance, thanks to a grant from USDA. This temporary assistance will be distributed through the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Program, beginning March 1. 

FNS today announced $1.1 million in grants to four Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children state agencies in Arizona, Arkansas, South Dakota and Texas. 

FNS today announced its first ever mobile application, putting critical information at the fingertips of food service professionals and making it easier for them to serve wholesome, nutritious, and tasty meals through FNS’s child nutrition programs.

Secretary Sonny Perdue today outlined USDA services available in the event of a government shutdown.