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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a significant investment of over $46 million in projects aimed at addressing food and nutrition insecurity in underserved communities. This initiative will also support healthy diets by increasing access to fruits and vegetables for eligible families.
The funding will support various efforts through the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program (CFPCGP) and Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP).
Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small emphasized the importance of affordable and nutritious food for individuals of all ages. This investment includes funding for 20 CFPCGP projects, which aim to enhance local food systems, increase food access in low-income areas, and promote community engagement in addressing food security challenges.
The GusNIP grant programs, named after former USDA Under Secretary Gus Schumacher, focus on Nutrition Incentives and Produce Prescriptions. These projects bring together stakeholders from different sectors to improve the health and nutrition of households, promote growth in underrepresented communities, and gather data to enhance best practices.
Specifically, 14 awardees will receive GusNIP Nutrition Incentive funding totaling $36.3 million, while Produce Prescription awards totaling $5.2 million will go to 11 recipients. These investments align with the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities, as well as the National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health.
The USDA’s efforts aim to transform America’s food system by promoting local and regional food production, ensuring fair markets, and expanding access to safe and nutritious food. By investing in infrastructure, clean energy, and equity initiatives, the USDA is working towards a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural sector.
For more information, visit www.usda.gov.
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USDA is committed to equal opportunity in providing services, employment, and lending opportunities.
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Sophie Müller completed her studies at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, earning a degree in Environmental Sciences with a concentration in agroecology. Her research explored the interactions between crops and their environment, particularly in relation to organic farming systems. Sophie is now a research scientist, focusing on agroecological practices that promote biodiversity and reduce environmental impact in agriculture.
