The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an investment of over $46 million to improve food and nutrition access in underserved communities. This funding will support projects aimed at providing eligible families with better access to fruits and vegetables through programs like the Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program (CFPCGP) and the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP).
The investment includes funding for 20 projects that focus on improving local food systems and increasing food access in low-income areas. The GusNIP program offers incentives for low-income households to buy more fruits and vegetables, while the Produce Prescription program encourages healthcare providers to prescribe fresh produce to patients to improve their nutrition.
These efforts align with the White House’s initiative to combat hunger and promote healthy eating, aiming to create a more resilient food system and ensure that all communities have access to nutritious food.