Newsroom

FNS announced today that it will interpret the prohibition on discrimination based on sex found in Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and in the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended, SNAP to include discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. 

During a visit to Columbia University and in celebration of National Nutrition Month, Secretary Vilsack today announced a report detailing USDA's Actions on Nutrition Security. 

FNS today reflected on its efforts over the past year to ensure households across the country have access to a nutritious diet. Throughout the first year of the Biden-Harris Administration, FNS bolstered its nutrition assistance programs through a wide range of administrative actions and with the unprecedented $12 billion investment in food assistance provided by the American Rescue Plan Act.

USDA today released a re-evaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan, used to calculate SNAP benefits. As a result, the average SNAP benefit – excluding additional funds provided as part of pandemic relief – will increase for fiscal year 2022 beginning on Oct. 1, 2021.

USDA today kicks off a month-long celebration marking 10 years since the introduction of the MyPlate nutrition guidance symbol, which helps consumers make healthy food choices.

Today, the USDA is increasing food assistance to low-income seniors – a population that has been especially hard-hit by the pandemic – by providing nearly $37 million in additional support to CSFP.

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

USDA today released its June 2020 Cost of Foods Report, announcing a 5.3% increase in the cost of the Thrifty Food Plan from last year. Based on this new update, beginning October 1, SNAP participants’ maximum monthly benefit allotment will be at the highest level in the history of the program.

USDA awarded $12.1 million in Farm to School Grants – the most awarded since the grant program’s inception ‒ to 159 grantees – the most projects funded to date. These awards will help bring fresh, local foods into schools and foster economic opportunity for America’s farmers over the next school year.

Deputy Under Secretary Brandon Lipps today highlighted the agency’s many accomplishments over the past year to leverage our nation’s agricultural abundance to ensure every American has access to wholesome, nutritious food, even when they face challenging circumstances. 

Secretary Sonny Perdue has sworn in Brandon Lipps as FNCS Deputy Under Secretary and Pam Miller as the FNS Administrator.