U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service reported progress has been made throughout the country's nutrition assistance programs and nutrition security.
Progress was made last year with increased access to programs assisting families to navigate through the pandemic's impacts, including food costs and supply shortages, according to a Feb. 6 news release.
"The Food and Nutrition Service, alongside our devoted partners at the state, local, Tribal and territorial level, worked hard last year to lift up families through strengthened food programs," USDA Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Deputy Under Secretary Stacy Dean said in the news release. "In 2022, FNS provided additional resources to WIC and school meal programs, as well as food banks, in an effort to meet the needs of the millions of Americans who use our programs. Additionally, we expanded online shopping for SNAP participants, equipped schools with upgraded tools and boosted local agriculture."
Among other things, the news release credited FNS' modernization of its nutrition assistance programs for modern participants, including an improved customer experience. Last year, FNS continued expansion of its SNAP online shopping program, which provides millions of families the option to shop from home in much the same way as do non-SNAP customers. As of December, 181 retailers representing thousands of actual stores were participating in the program.
"However, recognizing some retailers, especially smaller ones, still face technical challenges implementing online shopping, FNS awarded a $5 million grant to help these businesses get up and running," the news release said.
