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USDA announced several actions to expand support for and access to the school meal programs, including awarding $50 million in grants that will increase collaboration between schools, food producers and suppliers, and other partners to develop nutritious, appetizing school meals for kids.

USDA is partnering with Washington, D.C., to promote economic opportunities for farmers and producers and to increase access to locally sourced, fresh, healthy and nutritious food in underserved communities and in schools. The Local Food Purchase Cooperative Agreement Program and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program will improve food and agricultural supply-chain resiliency and increase local food consumption around the country.

The FNS Southeast Regional Office announced today the award of a $1,000,000 grant to Alabama Department of Education, which administers the National School Lunch Program in the state.

The FNS Western Region announced today the award of a $999,887 grant to the Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction which administers the National School Lunch Program in Washington.

The FNS Mid-Atlantic Region announced today the award of a $982,827 grant to Virginia Department of Education, which administers the National School Lunch Program in the Commonwealth.

FNS is committed to promoting equity and inclusion through its federal nutrition assistance programs and today, is celebrating advancements made over the past year while acknowledging the long journey ahead. Throughout the past year, the Biden-Harris Administration and USDA have worked side-by-side to provide those in need with better, fairer access to a healthy diet, with a focus on closing gaps in access for historically disadvantaged and underserved populations.

USDA today announced assistance to help schools respond to supply chain disruptions, as part of a comprehensive set of investments to address challenges in American agriculture today. This is the latest example of the ongoing support USDA is providing schools and states as they to adapt to the ever-changing pandemic situation while working to ensure children receive nutritious school meals.

As students, parents and caretakers adjust to a physical return to classrooms this fall, the USDA reminds families to follow food safety practices to prevent foodborne illness when it comes to preparing frozen foods.

Families in Louisiana affected by Hurricane Ida will soon be able to receive food packages containing USDA Foods – nutritious, high-quality foods 100% grown and produced on farms. USDA approved the short-term measure to address an immediate need for food until a longer-term solution is ready.

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

Secretary Sonny Perdue met today with leaders from around the country to explore new ways to help low-income Americans access nutritious food and move to an independent and self-sufficient future.