USDA will launch new childhood anti-hunger pilot projects
March 02, 2015 |11:22 PM
The Agriculture Department will make $27 million available to fund innovative projects designed help end childhood hunger, especially in rural areas, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said today.
Vilsack made the announcement at the 2015 National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference. The projects were made possible by the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 and will be evaluated primarily based on their ability to reduce food insecurity among children.
The projects will be tested in Kentucky, Nevada, and Virginia, as well as the Chickasaw and Navajo tribal nations.
“Too many children in America live in households that don’t always know where their next meal is coming from,” Vilsack said in a news release.
“Many families are forced to buy cheaper, less healthy foods because they don't have resources to purchase healthier options, or don't live close to a store that sells healthy food.”
“At USDA, we’re deeply committed to ensuring that all Americans, especially children, have access to a healthy diet whether at home or at school. The goal of ending child hunger in America is absolutely achievable, and this new initiative will help us test innovated strategies for getting there.”
Four of these projects are based in states receiving targeted USDA assistance to address chronic rural poverty through the USDA’s StrikeForce Initiative for Rural Growth and Opportunity.
The StrikeForce Initiative operates in 770 persistent-poverty counties, parishes, boroughs, Colonias and tribal reservations in 20 states.
Vilsack made the announcement at the 2015 National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference. The projects were made possible by the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 and will be evaluated primarily based on their ability to reduce food insecurity among children.
The projects will be tested in Kentucky, Nevada, and Virginia, as well as the Chickasaw and Navajo tribal nations.
“Too many children in America live in households that don’t always know where their next meal is coming from,” Vilsack said in a news release.
“Many families are forced to buy cheaper, less healthy foods because they don't have resources to purchase healthier options, or don't live close to a store that sells healthy food.”
“At USDA, we’re deeply committed to ensuring that all Americans, especially children, have access to a healthy diet whether at home or at school. The goal of ending child hunger in America is absolutely achievable, and this new initiative will help us test innovated strategies for getting there.”
Four of these projects are based in states receiving targeted USDA assistance to address chronic rural poverty through the USDA’s StrikeForce Initiative for Rural Growth and Opportunity.
The StrikeForce Initiative operates in 770 persistent-poverty counties, parishes, boroughs, Colonias and tribal reservations in 20 states.
