American Rescue Plan funding expands efforts to reduce food loss and promote community resilience.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced a $25 million investment to address food loss and waste, funded under the American Rescue Plan. This initiative, led by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the Office of the Chief Economist (OCE), addresses the issue of one-third of available food going to waste in the U.S., which negatively impacts food security, economic growth, and the environment.
The investment plans to expand NIFA’s existing programs, such as the Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program, to reduce food waste, redistribute surplus food, and strengthen local food systems. The intent is to benefit communities, enhance food security, and boost local economies.
“USDA NIFA is extensively engaged in research, extension, and educational activities to mitigate food loss and waste,” said USDA Chief Scientist and Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics Chavonda Jacobs-Young. “Several NIFA grant programs focusing on this issue align with USDA’s cross-cutting priorities to address the impacts of climate change, ensure food and nutrition security, strengthen rural economies, and ensure racial justice and equity.”
Funds will be directed to the Food and Agriculture Service Learning Program, supporting school-based initiatives to educate students on food waste prevention and enhance child nutrition.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Director Manjit Misra as he oversees the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
- For Secretary Tom Vilsack to seek God’s guidance as he heads the USDA.
- For Under Secretary Chavonda Jacobs-Young as she leads the USDA Office of Research, Education, and Economics.
Sources: Department of Agriculture
