Funding helps underserved regions.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced the availability of approximately $400 million to supply technical assistance, capacity-building services, and vital local and regional food systems coordination through the USDA’s new Regional Food Business Centers.
The USDA plans to fund at least six regional centers, including a national tribal center, and fund a center that serves each of the three targeted areas—Colonias (counties on the U.S./Mexico border), communities of persistent poverty and underserved or under-resourced in the Delta and Southeast, and underserved or under-resourced in the Appalachia areas and other U.S. regions.
“The USDA Regional Food Business Centers will be a new, critical asset… will serve as USDA’s cornerstone in the development of the local and regional supply chains, building on lessons learned during the pandemic, providing technical assistance, and creating new market opportunities in areas where the need is greatest,” said Secretary Vilsack.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Vilsack as he oversees plans and programs to address food supply and supply chain issues.
- For USDA officials as they support and coordinate with regional food systems.
- For the president and his administration to be wise in addressing underserved communities.
Sources: Department of Agriculture
