The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) recently highlighted efforts taken during the first year of the Biden-Harris Administration to advance market prospects in America's food and agriculture industry, according to Jan 19 press release.
The FNS has been concentrating its efforts on resolving supply chain issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted the whole economy, notably the food industry.
“A strong and resilient supply chain is critical to our ability to deliver federal food assistance to millions of Americans," Stacy Dean, deputy undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services, stated in the release. "While COVID-19 exposed vulnerabilities, it also presented an opportunity to build back better by creating better and fairer markets that can support businesses and consumers in good times and bad.”
The USDA and the Biden-Harris administration, according to the department, have proven their dedication to establishing economic opportunity and advocating for equality for the nation's farmers, producers and consumers through their efforts to improve the food supply chain.
FNS market development strategies have included overcoming school supply chain issues, such as the USDA providing $1.5 billion to school lunch programs to aid them in addressing supply chain issues created by the pandemic that has made serving meals to kids more difficult.
Additionally, USDA has sought to promote online purchases in SNAP, announcing the addition of 89 businesses and store banners since January 2021.
Other initiatives include increased purchases of domestic and local agricultural products to further expand markets and enhance the equity, competitiveness and resilience of the food system.
To support this initiative, FNS has provided $12 million in Farm to School Grants to 176 recipients, benefiting 6,800 schools and nearly 1.4 million children.
