The Biden administration issued the National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition and Health Sept. 27.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the strategy in a USDA news release. He said the national strategy to combat hunger and address diet-related health issues in the U.S. puts the country on the path to a better nation.
"It sets us on a path to end hunger, enhance nutrition and improve health outcomes in this country," Vilsack said in the release. "This strategy compiles recommendations from dozens of listening sessions held over the summer. I want to thank the individuals and organizations who shared their lived experiences, galvanized their networks and made recommendations to improve the lives of all Americans."
Vilsack called the release of the strategy "a defining moment for our nation," according to the news release.
He said he is especially interested in the strategy's focus on providing healthy school meals for all students.
"This approach would reorient the school meal programs from an ancillary service to an integral component of the school day and allow schools to focus on providing the highest quality meals and engaging children around the importance of healthy food," Vilsack said in the release. "Providing all school children access to healthy, nutritious meals will drive better health and give them the tools to reach their full potential, which means a better and fuller future for our nation."
The strategy "is just the beginning," Vilsack reported, noting there is work ahead "to implement and execute on the proposals," the release reported.
"The strategy lays out big goals, and we need everyone — local, state and Tribal governments, Congress, private companies, nonprofit organizations and everyday citizens — to work together to achieve them," Vilsack said in the release.
