Funding advances access to fresh produce for underserved communities across the nation.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a $52 million investment set to support dietary health and increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables for eligible families. This funding is allocated across three National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) competitive grant programs under the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), named after the former USDA Under Secretary of Agriculture.
“USDA is delivering on its promise to bolster food and nutrition security for underserved communities,” said USDA’s Research, Education, and Economics Under Secretary Chavonda Jacobs-Young. “Investments like this enable people to afford and eat healthy fresh fruits and vegetables so they don’t have to make a choice between healthy eating and cheaper less healthier options.”
According to NIFA Director Manjit Misra, over $270 million in funding provided to nearly 200 projects since its 2019 launch, GusNIP has consistently reported increased fruit and vegetable intake among participants.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Vilsack to seek God’s guidance as he heads the Department of Agriculture.
- For Under Secretary Jacobs-Young to be prudent as she serves as Chief Scientist overseeing the Office of Research, Education, and Economics in the USDA.
- For the directors of NIFA and GusNIP as they enhance the food and nutrition assistance programs.
Sources: Department of Agriculture
