USDA Scientists Work to Ensure Nutritious and High-Quality Potatoes are Available During the Winter Season and All Year Round

January 12, 2024 USDA

Scientists at the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) use innovative technology to study the lifecycle of potatoes (including development, production, and postharvest storage), ensuring a high-quality supply year-round for snack food processing facilities, restaurants, and grocery stores.

Nearly 21 Million Children Expected to Receive New Grocery Benefit This Summer

January 10, 2024 USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that 35 states, all five U.S. territories, and four Tribes plan to be the first to launch the new, permanent summer grocery benefits program for children – known as Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer – in summer 2024.

New USDA Procurement Initiative – Pallet Quantity System Project

January 5, 2024 USDA

“To both maintain and expand the vendors participating in USDA Foods programs, CPP is working to update and improve our current ordering and distribution processes. Our first step is moving to a pallet quantity system, with the ultimate goal of streamlining multi-stops for USDA deliveries and developing a model to distribute directly to customers through distribution centers.”

USDA Grant Supports Creation of Maine Halal Meat Brand Co-op

The Cooperative Development Institute is facilitating the development of a cooperative halal meat brand and Maine’s first exclusively halal-certified, USDA-regulated slaughter and processing facility to serve the growing demand for halal meat from Muslim and immigrant populations in Maine, thanks to support from the USDA Rural Business Development Grant.

FDA, USDA and EPA Propose National Strategy to Reduce U.S. Food Loss and Waste

December 14, 2023 FDA

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a national strategy that will drive progress toward the national goal to reduce food loss and waste in the U.S. by 50% by 2030. This action is a continuation of the three agencies’ collaborative efforts to build a more sustainable future.