The U.S. Department of Agriculture and National Urban League recently signed a memorandum of understanding to reaffirm their relationship.
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and National Urban League President Marc H. Morial said the organizations "share a common mission to enhance equity across the country, ensure access to adequate nutrition and improve quality of life for underserved populations," according to a Jan. 11 news release.
"This signing reinforces USDA's commitment to improving health outcomes and quality of life in the communities that we serve," Vilsack said in the release. "To help those who have been historically underserved, it is paramount that we work together with a shared commitment to improve access to our programs, equip people with the resources they need and advance equity goals."
USDA and National Urban League's collaboration promotes nutrition and food security, increasing access to healthy foods and ensuring equitable USDA program service delivery in the nation's traditionally underserved communities, the release reported
"Moreover, this union will encourage urban agriculture as a means of increasing food production and access, making a living and improving the environment, thereby building stronger communities," the news release said.
"This is a broad and far-reaching initiative that will address inequity and create opportunity at every level of the Department's programming and regulatory responsibility," Morial said in the release. "We're proud to collaborate with a forward-thinking agency that is committed to carrying out the Biden-Harris administration’s whole-of-government equity agenda."
