Secretary Tom Vilsack of the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently made a visit to Columbia University in observance of National Nutrition Month, where he unveiled a report summarizing the USDA's Actions on Nutrition Security, according to a USDA March 17 press release.
According to the press release, the report's results demonstrate the USDA's commitment to ensure nutrition security for everyone in the U.S.
"The COVID-19 pandemic brought food insecurity to the forefront of the national conversation and shined a new light on the devastating toll of chronic disease, with an estimated two-thirds of COVID hospitalizations in the U.S. related to diet-related diseases," Vilsack stated in the press release.
Vilsack also delivered a speech at Teachers College, Columbia University, in which he highlighted the USDA's efforts to combat food insecurity, particularly among marginalized communities.
The USDA and its partners are concentrating their efforts on increasing food security by focusing on diet-related chronic diseases, which are currently one of the leading causes of death in the country.
"Across the Department, we recognize that food and health are inherently intertwined, and we're leaning into our powerful tools to help reduce chronic disease, advance equity and promote overall well-being," Vilsack said. "We look forward to working with our stakeholders to achieve this vision."
According to the press release, research indicates that minority communities, families with children and residents in remote portions of the nation, including Tribal communities, are disproportionately impacted by these illnesses.
The USDA is currently implementing a four-pillar strategic plan to maximize the use of all of its assets in order to get closer to attaining nutrition security for all Americans.
These strategies include offering nutrition assistance at all stages of life; increasing American's access to nutritious, safe and affordable food sources; creating, translating and implementing nutrition research through collaboration; and prioritizing equity.
