The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a collaboration with Reinvestment Fund to invest nearly $6 million aimed at improving access to healthy foods in underserved communities across the United States. The initiative is part of the Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) Planning Grant Program, which supports early-stage planning and predevelopment phases for projects related to healthy food retail or food retail supply chains.
Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small stated, "No matter where you live in our country, you should be able to get affordable, fresh, and healthy food close to home." She emphasized the USDA's commitment under the Biden-Harris Administration to strengthen local and regional food systems by working with various stakeholders including farmers and ranchers.
The funding is supported by the American Rescue Plan Act and is part of broader efforts by USDA to create more market opportunities that benefit both producers and consumers. The HFFI aims to support diverse growers while ensuring nationwide access to affordable, healthy foods.
A total of 45 projects will receive planning support through this investment. These projects are intended to develop or expand business models for food retail and supply chain operations in numerous states including Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas,Vermont,V irginia Washington,Wisconsin,and Washington,D.C.
Many low-income communities face challenges in accessing affordable healthy food options. HFFI provides grants and loans to entities that can address these needs by stabilizing small retailers and creating jobs in these areas. The USDA collaborates with Reinvestment Fund as the National Fund Manager for HFFI initiatives.
In recent expansions of their programs in August 2023 and June 2024 respectively,the Reinvestment Fund introduced new components such as the Local and Regional Healthy Food Financing Partnerships Program and the Food Access and Retail Expansion (FARE) Fund under America's Healthy Food Financing Initiative.
USDA Rural Development plays a crucial role by providing loans and grants that help improve economic opportunities,rural infrastructure,business development,housing,and community facilities like schools,and healthcare,in high-poverty rural areas.
For more information about how USDA's initiatives impact rural America,you can visit their Rural Data Gateway or subscribe for updates on their website.The USDA continues its efforts under current administration policies focusing on equitable access,resilient local food production,fair markets,new income streams for farmers using climate-smart practices,and significant investments in infrastructure throughout rural America.
