USDA Announces $97 Million Available to Expand Access to Healthy Food, Support Rural Economies

Organizations, institutions and entrepreneurs in the local food movement will have opportunities for funding through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) after an announcement that $97 million will be made available to expand access to healthy food and support rural economies.

In a speech at the National Farmers Union Convention today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the availability of $96.8 million in grants to fund innovative projects designed to support specialty crop producers, local food entrepreneurs, and farm to school efforts, which in turn will increase access to healthy, nutritious food for American families and children. The announcement is part of USDA efforts during National Nutrition Month to focus on improving access to fresh, healthy, and nutritious products for millions of Americans.

"Increasing market opportunities for local food producers is a sound investment in America's rural economies, while also increasing access to healthy food for our nation's families," Vilsack said. "Consumer demand for local, healthy food is skyrocketing in schools, hospitals and wholesalers. These grant opportunities allow farmers and ranchers to meet this demand, and feed our nation's kids."

Read more on the USDA's website.