Strengthening Local Food Systems for a Better Future
Supporting Emergency Food Providers
This round of funding, announced on October 1, enables states, territories, and federally recognized Tribes to purchase wholesome, locally produced foods. These foods will be distributed within their communities to emergency food providers, schools, and child care centers. By doing so, the USDA is ensuring that those in need have access to nutritious food. For example, in one state, the funds have been used to purchase fresh vegetables from local farmers, which are then distributed to food banks. This not only helps to address food insecurity but also supports local farmers and the local economy.Another example can be seen in a territory where the funds have been allocated to purchase locally produced meat. This meat is then used in school lunch programs, providing students with a healthy and sustainable source of protein. The collaboration between the USDA and local producers has led to the establishment of new supply-chain partnerships, ensuring a steady supply of local food.Expanding to Child Care Facilities
For the first time, the USDA is expanding its successful collaborations to include child care facilities. Cindy Long, USDA's Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, emphasizes the importance of this expansion. "We are excited to build on these successful collaborations that connect schools and emergency food organizations with nutritious food from local farmers and producers by expanding the model to child care facilities," she says.This expansion means that families can feel good knowing that their kids are eating food that was grown right in their own community. In one child care center, for instance, locally produced fruits and vegetables are incorporated into the daily menu. This not only exposes children to a variety of healthy foods but also supports local agriculture.Allocating Funds for Different Programs
USDA will allocate up to $471.5 million for states and territories to purchase local, unprocessed, or minimally processed domestic foods for use by schools participating in the National School Lunch and/or School Breakfast Programs. Additionally, $188.6 million will be allocated for use in child care facilities participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Up to $471.5 million will also be allocated for states, territories, and Tribal governments to use in local feeding programs, including food banks and other organizations that reach underserved communities. Of this, $100 million will go to Tribal governments.These allocations demonstrate the USDA's commitment to reaching all communities and ensuring that everyone has access to healthy food. For example, in a school district with a high percentage of low-income students, the funds will be used to purchase local dairy products. This helps to support local dairy farmers and provides students with a nutritious source of calcium.In a tribal community, the funds will be used to purchase traditional foods such as wild rice and berries. This not only preserves tribal cultures but also provides a healthy alternative to processed foods.The LFPA, LFPA Plus, and LFS programs, conceived in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, have already invested over $1 billion into local food purchases. Through these programs, USDA has provided $900 million in funding to 50 states, the District of Columbia, four territories, and 84 Tribal governments. This has sourced foods from over 8,000 local producers, with more than 5,000 identified as underserved. The wholesome food has gone to 7,900 food banks, food pantries, and communities across America.Today's notice of funding will continue this vital work and provide an additional $1.13 billion to support local agriculture, schools, and feeding programs. The USDA's efforts are transforming America's food system, with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, and ensuring access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food in all communities.To learn more about USDA's initiatives and how you can get involved, visit www.usda.gov.How a School Competition Transformed Lives
How the Competition Began
In Tulsa, a spirit of friendly competition took root at Riverfield Country Day School. Students were eager to showcase their generosity by collecting non-perishable, kid-friendly food for the food pantry at Eugene Field Elementary. As Holden Williams, a senior at Riverfield, shared, "We have over ten thousand individual items that we donated this year." This initiative sparked a wave of giving that would have a lasting impact.
The competition was intense, with each grade vying to collect the most food. It was a testament to the students' compassion and willingness to help their peers. Over the course of about two weeks, the donations kept pouring in, filling up a school bus and two trucks.
The Arrival and Its Significance
The arrival of the donated food was a moment of great joy and relief. It arrived just in time to stock the nearly empty shelves of Eugene Field's school food pantry. Christy Gilliam with Eugene Field Elementary expressed her gratitude, saying, "There's some food insecurity with some of our kids. We are so thankful. It's amazing what they have brought today. We're winded from unloading."
This influx of food will provide much-needed support to struggling families throughout the school year. During long breaks when family food budgets might be tight and kids don't have access to school breakfast and lunch, this donation will make a world of difference.
The Evolution of the Food Drive
In recent years, this food drive evolved from a long-running book drive. Riverfield students had previously donated books to their peers at Eugene Field. However, one day, the principals realized that a food drive could be just as important and helpful. It became a way to address the immediate need for food while also teaching the students valuable life skills.
Another special aspect of this food drive is that all the items require no or minimal preparation by kids. This allows them to fix themselves a healthy meal even if their parents are away at work. It's a practical and empowering initiative that goes beyond just providing food.
Investing in Students' Lives - Fueling Hope through Food Donations
Importance of the Food Drive
The "Fuel the Herd" food drive holds great significance as it directly impacts the well-being and academic success of students. With Texas having the second-highest rate of food insecurity in the nation at 16.9% and one in six households facing this issue, it's clear that there is a pressing need. As Ronnie Hall, WT Alumni Association executive director, states, "By contributing to 'Fuel the Herd,' you are investing in students' lives and providing hope to those facing difficult times, reminding them they are not alone." This drive not only provides students with the physical sustenance they need but also gives them the mental and emotional support to focus on their studies.Many students find themselves in a difficult position where they have to choose between buying food and paying for other essential expenses. The Market on Tierra Blanca, a food bank in Canyon, serves as a vital resource, and the food drive aims to stock its shelves with nonperishable items. Donors have the opportunity to make a real difference by dropping off nonperishable items at the Buffalo Courts on the WT campus in Canyon or at the Harrington Academic Hall WT Amarillo Center. All donations will be dedicated to helping WT students in need.
Impact on Students
The impact of the "Fuel the Herd" food drive on students is profound. When students have their bellies full, they are better able to concentrate and study. As Abby Waters mentioned, "It's hard to concentrate and study when your belly's empty." By providing free food, the drive helps students remove one of the barriers to their education and gives them the chance to thrive academically. The Market on Tierra Blanca has already served more than 300 WT students and continues to make a difference in the lives of many.For students facing financial hardships, this food drive is a ray of hope. It shows them that they are not alone and that there are people who care about their well-being. It gives them the motivation to continue their education and pursue their dreams, knowing that there is a support system in place. The act of donating to this cause is not just about providing food; it's about investing in the future of these students and helping them build a better life.
How to Donate
Donating to the "Fuel the Herd" food drive is easy and straightforward. Donors can drop off nonperishable items at the Buffalo Courts on the WT campus in Canyon or at the Harrington Academic Hall WT Amarillo Center located at 720 S Tyler St. Every donation counts and will make a meaningful impact on the lives of students struggling to overcome financial hardships. By participating in this food drive, individuals and organizations can come together to make a positive change in the community.For more information on how you can donate to a students' food wish list, click here. This provides an easy way for people to get involved and contribute to this important cause. Together, we can help ensure that no student goes hungry and that they have the support they need to succeed.