Since the Biden-Harris Administration hosted the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health and released its National Strategy in September 2022, agencies across the federal government have made progress toward the actions and priorities laid out in the National Strategy. These milestones span the National Strategy's 5 pillars:
- Pillar 1: Improve food access and affordability
- Pillar 2: Integrate nutrition and health
- Pillar 3: Empower all consumers to make and have access to healthy food
- Pillar 4: Support physical activity for all
- Pillar 5: Enhance nutrition and food security research
Pillar 1: Improve food access and affordability
Area Development Grant Program
Ongoing
https://www.arc.gov/area-development-program/
The Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) Area Development Program relies on a flexible “bottom up” approach to economic development, empowering Appalachian communities to work with their state governments to design impactful investment opportunities supporting ARC’s mission and investment priorities. Annually, a handful of food systems-related projects are funded.
Department: Appalachian Regional Commission
The Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative
February 7, 2023
The POWER Initiative targets federal resources to help communities that have been affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries due to the changing economics of America’s energy production. POWER funding may be used toward local and regional food system development. In Fiscal Year 2022, POWER funded five food systems projects totaling over $7 million. Visit the website for the Request for Proposals, recorded webinars, previous grantee awards, toolkit, and other helpful information.
Department: Appalachian Regional Commission
Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE)
August 23, 2022
ARISE is a new Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) initiative that aims to drive large-scale, regional economic transformation through multistate, collaborative projects across Appalachia. With the additional funding provided by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, ARC launched ARISE to strengthen Appalachian business and industry, and to grow and support the development of new opportunities across multiple states. ARISE projects may provide opportunities for food system development. Visit the website for the Request for Proposals, recorded webinars, previous grantee awards, toolkits, and other helpful information.
Department: Appalachian Regional Commission
Denali Commission Program Grants
February 3, 2023
Under the Denali Commission’s program grants, certain programs — energy, the infrastructure fund, transportation, community wellness facilities — could be accessed by applicants to fund projects that contribute to food security. A total of $33,650,000 may be available to applicants. Applications are due by April 14, 2023, no later than 11:59 p.m. Alaska time.
Department: Denali Commission
Minority Business Development Agency Capital Readiness Program
December 21, 2022
The Capital Readiness Program (CRP) is a $93.5 million grant program that will create a national network of between 35 and 46 incubators, accelerators, and technical assistance organizations for minority and other underserved entrepreneurs seeking capacity and network support to access capital to launch or scale their businesses. A strategic priority for CRP is to award applicants with bonus points if they can show how they can support businesses with a focus on market-driven solutions that provide greater resources, such as support for food security efforts, to underserved communities.
Department: Department of Commerce
Defense Commissary Agency: Heart Health Month
February 16, 2023
Commissaries reinforced National Heart Health Month by encouraging patrons to examine their health habits and take an active role in reducing disease risk. The national observance echoes the Defense Commissary Agency’s ongoing efforts to improve the health and wellness of service members and their families.
Department: Department of Defense
2022 Food Code
December 28, 2022
New FDA Food Code Reduces Barriers to Food Donations | FDA
The Food and Drug Administration’s 2022 Food Code helps reduce barriers to food donations by clarifying for the first time that food donations from retail food establishments are acceptable as long as proper food safety practices are followed.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/Food and Drug Administration
Connecting Veterans with Nutrition and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Information Through VA’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
Ongoing
VA Benefits and Services Active Duty Participant Guide
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) incorporates nutrition and information in Transition Assistance Program’s (TAP) “VA Benefits and Services Participant Guide — Active Duty” under Module topics related to Housing, Whole Health, Primary Care, Family Support, and Mental Health. This participant guide also covers nutrition topics such as VA dietitian services, Healthy Teaching Kitchen Program, MOVE weight management program, and Whole Health. SNAP information is also part of the VA Welcome Kit in the Quick Start Guide for food and nutrition services.
Department: Department of Veterans Affairs
Expand Online Shopping in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
December 12, 2022 and February 17, 2023
https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/shopping-experience-grant-summaries and https://www.fns.usda.gov/news-item/fns-005.23
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is expanding online shopping in the WIC program with grant funding to support state agency projects and through proposed rulemaking to remove barriers to online transactions in WIC and to support a modern, data-driven program. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, the Food and Nutrition Service awarded grants to 16 WIC state agencies and 4 Indian Tribal Organizations. A total of $50 million of funding is available in FY 2022-2024. The efforts build on the 4 WIC online shopping pilot projects being carried out by 8 WIC state agencies.
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture/Food and Nutrition Service
Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) Guidance to States for Summer 2023
February 16, 2023
Pandemic EBT – Summer 2023 | Food and Nutrition Service (usda.gov)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture released guidance to assist states in the development of P-EBT plans for the summer of 2023. The guidance consists of a cover memo and questions and answers that explain recent changes to P-EBT as well as a state plan template.
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture/Food and Nutrition Service
Advance the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Modernization Strategy
October 19, 2022, February 16, 2023, and September 2022 through February 2023
https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/technology-service-delivery-grant-summary
https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/shopping-experience-grant-summaries
https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/fmnp-grant-summaries
https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/special-supplemental-nutrition-program-women-infants-children-national
https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/modernization
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is working to advance the WIC modernization strategy by investing in community-based outreach, streamlining the participant experience, improving the in-store experience, expanding access to farmers markets, and increasing diversity and cultural competency in the WIC workforce. These advances will help connect more eligible families to WIC and strengthen service delivery to support better maternal and child health outcomes, with a focus on addressing disparities in program delivery. In Fiscal Year 2022, the Food and Nutrition Service awarded $23,100,000 in grants to 66 WIC state agencies to support planning and implementation of projects to improve the WIC participant experience.
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture/Food and Nutrition Service
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Modernization Technical Assistance Center (SEMTAC) Grant Award
December 21, 2022
https://www.fns.usda.gov/news-item/fns-0016.22
Online shopping has become a vital resource for nutrition security and food access — particularly for those who live in rural and other difficult-to-reach areas and those who may be homebound or have limited transportation access. The SNAP EBT Modernization Technical Assistance Center (SEMTAC) grantee will provide guidance and technical expertise to walk retailers — especially smaller, independent stores — through the implementation process so more SNAP participants across the country can purchase food online. This grant will use $5 million of the EBT Modernization American Rescue Plan Act funds over the next five years.
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture/Food and Nutrition Service
Expand the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) Self-Determination Projects
October 18, 2022
From October 18, 2022, to January 31, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) solicited proposals for participation in Round 2 of the FDPIR Self-Determination Demonstration Projects through a Federal Register Notice. USDA will announce up to $6 million in Round 2 awards by summer 2023. This is in addition to the $5.7 million previously awarded through Round 1 of the FDPIR Self-Determination Projects.
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture/Food and Nutrition Service
Freedom from Hunger Initiative
September 28, 2022
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/freedom-hunger-initiative
This website features case studies and best practices on anti-hunger and nutrition programs funded by the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) within the CSBG Network.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/ Administration for Children & Families
Model Application and Guide to Help States Develop Improved Applications and Verification Processes for Childcare Subsidies
December 1, 2022
https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/creating-family-friendly-child-care-assistance-application
The Administration for Children & Families released a model application and guide in December and conducted a webinar in January 2023 for hundreds of state staff to train them on the guide’s content.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/ Administration for Children & Families
Pillar 2: Integrate nutrition and health
Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health Program — Funding Opportunity Announcement
February 8, 2023
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity published a new funding opportunity announcement that includes Family Health Weight programs as a strategy. Recipients will collaborate with partners to implement these evidence-based, family-centered, intensive lifestyle behavioral treatment programs for children who are overweight or have obesity. Implementing nutrition strategies consistent with the Federal Food Service Guidelines is also included within this program. Recipients will receive up to $1.5 million/year, and CDC anticipates making 41 awards.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
High Obesity Program — Funding Opportunity Announcement
January 18, 2023
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity published a new funding opportunity announcement that includes Family Health Weight programs as a strategy. Recipients will collaborate with partners to implement these evidence-based, family-centered, intensive lifestyle behavioral treatment programs for children who are overweight or have obesity. Implementing nutrition strategies consistent with the Federal Food Service Guidelines is also included within this program. Recipients will receive up to $1.2M/year, and CDC anticipates making 16 awards.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
A Strategic Approach to Advancing Health Equity for Priority Populations with or at Risk for Diabetes — Funding Opportunity Announcement
January 6, 2023
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Division of Diabetes Translation published a new funding opportunity announcement that supports the implementation of evidence-based diabetes prevention and management strategies in states and localities, with a focus on reducing health disparities. This announcement also includes Family Health Weight programs as a strategy. Recipients will implement, spread, and sustain an evidence-based, family-centered childhood obesity intervention. Recipients will receive between $850,000 and $3.3 million, depending on the component they select, and CDC anticipates making 77 awards. Additional information on the components is available in the applicant webinar.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Request for Information; Essential Health Benefits
November 29, 2022
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) solicited information from insurance plans regarding what nutrition services they already cover, with a goal of determining whether CMS could strengthen essential health benefit requirements or take other actions to expand private health coverage and better address the nutritional needs of Americans.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Advanced Investment Payments
November 1, 2022
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized the creation of advance investment payments for certain new Medicare Shared Savings Program Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), effective January 1, 2024. ACOs will be permitted to use these payments to address the social needs of beneficiaries, including working with local community-based organizations to address food insecurity.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
HRSA-23-071 Maternal Child Health Nutrition Training Program
November 4, 2022
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=340397
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity HRSA-23-071 for the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Nutrition Training Program. In this notice was also the opportunity to apply for additional funding for the optional Nutrition Workforce Equity Enhancement. This opportunity closed February 2, 2023, and applications are under review. HRSA will issue a Notice of Award for up to 8 recipients for the MCH Nutrition Training Program (5 years, $9,125,000 total) and for 1 recipient for the Nutrition Workforce Equity Enhancement (5 years, $650,000 total).
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/Health Resources and Services Administration
High Obesity Program — Funded Recipient Announcement
July 12, 2023
https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/state-local-programs/hop/high-obesity-program-2023-2028.html
Sixteen land grant universities have received funding to implement the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s High Obesity Program. In the 5-year program, the universities will work with community extension services to implement evidence-based strategies for: food and nutrition security through food service and nutrition guidelines plus fruit and vegetable vouchers and produce prescriptions, safe and accessible physical activity, family healthy weight programs, and early care and education settings.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
A Strategic Approach to Advancing Health Equity for Priority Populations with or at Risk for Diabetes — Funded Recipient Announcement
July 12, 2023
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/funding-opportunity/cdc-rfa-dp-23-0020-recipients.html
As of July 2023, notice of awards went out to all 77 recipients across all 3 components of the Strategic Approach to Advancing Health Equity for Priority Populations with or at Risk for Diabetes (CDC-RFA-DP23-0020): Notice of Funding Opportunity. For Component A: 1 organization in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia received funding. For Component B: 22 organizations were funded to work in U.S. counties identified as high need based on diabetes burden and social vulnerability. For Component C: 4 multisectoral partnership networks were funded in different areas of the U.S. to simultaneously and collaboratively address strategies proven necessary to grow the National Diabetes Prevention Program to better engage, enroll, and retain priority populations.
This 5-year cooperative agreement seeks to prevent or delay onset of type 2 diabetes among adults with prediabetes and improve self-care practices, quality of care, and early detection of complications among people with diabetes. Additionally, this cooperative agreement will support implementation of evidence-based, family-centered childhood obesity interventions as a type 2 diabetes risk reduction strategy. All work supported under this cooperative agreement will focus on reducing health disparities and achieving health equity for priority populations, defined as those who have systematically experienced greater obstacles to health based on their racial or ethnic group; religion; socioeconomic status; gender; age; mental health; cognitive, sensory, or physical disability; sexual orientation or gender identity; geographic location; or other characteristics historically linked to discrimination or exclusion.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
New Funding Announced — the Health Resources & Services Administration’s Maternal and Child Health Nutrition Training Program and Nutrition Workforce Equity Enhancement
July 1, 2023
https://mchb.hrsa.gov/nutrition
The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) is funding over $8 million over the next 5 years to train over 4,500 future nutrition professionals and over 30,000 practicing professionals on key topics such as pediatric obesity prevention, household food security, and nutrition during pregnancy. Programs will prepare maternal and child health (MCH) nutrition trainees for leadership roles, build workforce capacity, and strengthen research and clinical care for MCH populations. Grantees include the University of Minnesota; the University of California, Los Angeles; the University of Alabama at Birmingham; the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Tulane University; the University of California, Berkeley; and Pennsylvania State University. HRSA also awarded a Nutrition Workforce Equity Enhancement to Pennsylvania State University to increase diversity in the nutrition workforce through partnerships with Minority Serving Institutions.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/ Health Resources & Services Administration
Food as Medicine: A Project to Advance and Unify Collective Action
September 2023
https://health.gov/our-work/nutrition-physical-activity/food-medicine
Building on the collective energy of the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, the Department of Health and Human Services developed a Food as Medicine initiative in 2023 to support collaboration with federal partners and external organizations and communities to develop resources that can be used to advance Food as Medicine approaches across the country.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/ Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
MLN Connects® Newsletter (2023-03-09 Edition)
March 9, 2023
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services sent provider education in the spring of 2023 to use provider education channels to increase awareness of Medicare coverage of nutrition and obesity counseling services.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Medicare Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design Model Extension Fact Sheet
April 5, 2023
https://innovation.cms.gov/vbid-extension-fs
The Medicare Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design Model will be extended for calendar years 2025 through 2030 and will introduce changes intended to more fully address the health-related social needs of patients, advance health equity, and improve care coordination for patients with serious illness.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Diabetes Strategy Development
June 7, 2023
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) established a workgroup that has developed a CMS strategy for diabetes prevention and management. This strategy was announced at the 2023 Health Equity Conference in the summer of 2023.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program Expanded Model
July 13, 2023
https://innovation.cms.gov/innovation-models/medicare-diabetes-prevention-program
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced July 13, 2023, that it is proposing to extend the rule that allows all Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) suppliers to use specific MDPP COVID-19 Public Health Emergency flexibilities, including the optional virtual delivery of the MDPP set of services through distance learning.
CMS also proposes to simplify the current performance-based payment structure for MDPP by allowing fee-for-service payments for beneficiary attendance, while keeping the payments for beneficiary weight loss.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Physician Fee Schedule
August 3, 2023
Proposals related to Medicare services associated with nutrition (in the Physician Fee Schedule) would be finalized by November 1, 2023.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Updates to Form 990, Schedule H Instructions
December 15, 2022
https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i990sh
Tax-exempt hospitals must provide a “community benefit,” which must be subsidized by the health care organization and carried out or supported for the express purpose of community health. Many hospitals also report community-building activities. To help incentivize nutrition-related spending in these areas, the IRS updated its instructions for the tax forms that hospitals need to complete. The updated instructions clarify how spending on social determinants of health can meet the definition of community benefit or community-building activities.
Department: Department of the Treasury/Internal Revenue Service
Revised Qualification Standard for Dietitians
October 14, 2022
https://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=1403&FType=2
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a revised Qualification Standard for Dietitians to support the modernization of these positions in VA, including Informatics, Program Coordinators, and Dietetic Internship Directors. The Dietitian Qualification Standard defined these specific dietitian roles within VA, which allows VA to recruit for these positions. Informatics Dietitian is a new role within the VA to help modernize Nutrition and Food Services. New Program Coordinator standards were developed to allow for local, regional, and national expansion of programs. The Internship Director standard was broadened to allow more sites to be able to qualify for an internship director at the facility level.
Department: Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration Food Security Office
September 2022
Food Insecurity | Nutrition and Food Services (va.gov)
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) established a new Food Security Office within the Veteran's Health Administration (VHA) to tackle the food insecurity rate among veterans. The office will provide strategic guidance and coordination within VHA, including VA hospitals and clinics, on best practices, research, and data to ensure veterans’ food security.
Department: Department of Veterans Affairs
Prevention and Treatment of Obesity
January 18, 2023
https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/carriers/2023/2023-01.pdf
The Office of Personnel Management’s guidance to Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program carriers titled “Prevention and Treatment of Obesity” requires FEHB carriers to cover the full extent of the United States Preventive Services Task Force guidelines for the prevention of obesity in children and the prevention of obesity-related comorbidities in adults. These guidelines describe intensive behavioral counseling interventions that include nutritional counseling and physical activity counseling.
Department: Office of Personnel Management
National Workforce Strategy for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
February 16, 2023
https://www.fns.usda.gov/news-item/fns-004.23 and https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/special-supplemental-nutrition-program-women-infants-children-national
Through a joint agency initiative between the National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing in a multiyear WIC workforce development initiative, which is expected to cultivate comprehensive and sustained solutions to increase cultural competency and culturally responsive care in WIC. USDA anticipates funding $750,0000 for Fiscal Year 2023. In turn, this will increase participation in WIC and improve the health of participants. USDA is currently requesting applications for the National WIC Workforce Strategy Development multiyear initiative and expects to award a contract later this year.
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture/Food and Nutrition Service
Pillar 3: Empower all consumers to make and have access to healthy food
Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Quantitative Research on Front of Package Labeling on Packaged Foods
January 25, 2023
FDA Issues Procedural Notice on Consumer Research on Front-of-Package Labeling | FDA
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a 60-day procedural notice on its plans to conduct a study entitled “Quantitative Research on Front of Package Labeling on Packaged Foods.” The FDA is conducting this consumer research to help explore the development of a front-of-package labeling scheme. A front-of-package labeling scheme could help consumers, particularly those with lower nutrition literacy, quickly and easily identify foods that are part of a healthy eating pattern.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/Food and Drug Administration
Food Insecurity Education Series
July 21, 2022
August 31, 2022
September 5, 2022
October 20, 2022
https://acl.gov/senior-nutrition/food-insecurity
The Administration for Community Living’s Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs released a 4-part Food Insecurity Education Series. These webinars explore “Combating Food Insecurity with Collaboration,” “SUA Promising Practices Combating Food Insecurity,” “Identifying & Screening for Food Insecurity,” and “Referrals & Interventions for Older Adults with Food Insecurity.”
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/ Administration for Community Living
Power Up Your Congregate Meal Program Webinar Series
September 29, 2022
October 25, 2022
January 25, 2023
https://acl.gov/senior-nutrition/creativity-and-innovation
The Administration for Community Living’s Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs and the National Council on Aging created a webinar series on attracting and retaining participants in congregate meal programs.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/ Administration for Community Living
Proposed Rule: Food Labeling: Nutrient Content Claims; Definition of Term “Healthy”
September 28, 2022
FDA Proposes to Update Definition for “Healthy” Claim on Food Labels | FDA
The Food and Drug Administration issued a proposed rule to update the definition of the nutrient content claim “healthy.” The “healthy” claim can act as a quick signal on food package labels to help empower consumers, including those with lower nutrition knowledge, with information to identify foods that will help them build healthy eating patterns.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/Food and Drug Administration
Senior Nutrition Programs: Restaurant Program Report
September 2023
https://acl.gov/senior-nutrition/restaurant-partnerships
Restaurant programs build on the traditional congregate and home-delivered meal structure to offer restaurant-prepared meals to older adults in the restaurant dining room, via restaurant catering at traditional congregate meal venues, through restaurant meal delivery, or through takeout meals. Local senior nutrition program providers partner with restaurants to serve older adults in their communities, typically offering one or more meals each week. This toolkit offers steps for providers who are considering starting a restaurant program along with best practices, templates, and resources.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/ Administration for Community Living
Food & Drug Administration Issues Draft Guidance on Dietary Guidance Statements on Food Labels
March 27, 2023
On March 24, 2023, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued Draft Guidance for Industry with the agency’s current thinking on how and when to use Dietary Guidance Statements in food labeling — and to ensure that Dietary Guidance Statements promote good nutrition and nutritious dietary practices. On June 14, 2023, FDA extended the comment period on the guidance to September 25, 2023.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/ Food & Drug Administration
Food & Drug Administration to Propose to Permit Salt Substitutes to Reduce Sodium in Standardized Foods
April 10, 2023
On April 10, 2023, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued a proposed rule to amend the standards of identity to permit the use of salt substitutes in foods for which salt is a required or optional ingredient. This is a critical step in FDA’s work to facilitate the reduction of sodium in the food supply.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/ Food & Drug Administration
Food & Drug Administration Issues Request for Information on Food Labeling in Online Grocery Shopping
April 24, 2023
On April 24, 2023, the Food & Drug Administration issued a Request For Information to learn more about the content, format, and accuracy of food labeling information provided through online grocery shopping platforms.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/ Food & Drug Administration
Food & Drug Administration Issues Second Procedural Notice on Consumer Research on Front-of-Package Labeling
June 14, 2023
The Food & Drug Administration has issued a 30-day procedural notice on its plans to conduct a study entitled “Quantitative Research on Front of Package Labeling on Packaged Foods.” The study is a follow-up to the focus groups conducted in 2022 to further explore consumer responses to various front-of-package labeling schemes.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/ Food & Drug Administration
Save The Date: Food & Drug Administration Virtual Public Meeting and Listening Sessions on Strategies to Reduce Added Sugars Consumption in the United States
August 16, 2023
The Food & Drug Administration announced plans to hold a virtual public meeting and listening sessions on strategies to reduce added sugars consumption in the United States. The public meeting and listening sessions will take place on November 6–8, 2023.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/ Food & Drug Administration
Right to Pump Breastmilk at Work Extended to More Workers
February 2, 2023
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/whd/whd20230202-0
The Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) launched an effort to alert families of changes in federal law under the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act that extends the right to pump breastmilk at work to more women, including those employed as teachers, farmworkers, and nurses. The campaign by WHD, which enforces the PUMP Act, includes an updated website providing guidance, fact sheets, and other resources for workers and employers.
Department: Department of Labor
Webinar for Manufacturing and Warehouse Employers on Workplace Protections for New and Expectant Mothers
October 12, 2022
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/maternal-health
The Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division and Women’s Bureau and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission hosted a webinar for employers in the manufacturing and warehouse industries on their responsibilities for complying with federal workplace laws that protect pregnant workers from discrimination, provide time off for the birth or adoption of a child, and ensure nursing workers can take breaks to pump breast milk while at work. Over 600 people registered for the webinar.
Department: Department of Labor
General Service Administration’s Child Care Quick Tips
November 1, 2022
GSA Child Care National Strategy for Hunger, Nutrition, and Health
Description: Weekly Quick Tips are sent out to providers in 92 General Service Administration (GSA) Child Care centers nationwide. These tips encourage physical activity that promotes movement, motor skills, and the foundations of health-related fitness and nutrition. GSA Centers currently serve over 4,000 children and families.
Department: General Service Administration
Social Security Matters Blog: Stay Healthy and Independent with the Senior Nutrition Program
December 12, 2022
Stay Healthy and Independent with the Senior Nutrition Program | Social Security Matters (ssa.gov)
The Social Security Administration posted a guest blog by Keri Lipperini, Director, Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Program, Administration on Aging, Administration for Community Living. The blog covers eligibility, the importance of access to healthy food, and information about local program services and how to locate them.
Department: Social Security Administration
Nutrition Assistance Programs Publication
December 8, 2022
The Social Security Administration updated its Nutrition Assistance Programs publication to include information about the Senior Nutrition Program.
Department: Social Security Administration
Promotion of Administration for Community Living Program in Social Security Administration Offices
November 7, 2022 (Ongoing)
The Social Security Administration (SSA) airs a slide, with language provided by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living, in the waiting areas of its over 1,200 local SSA offices. The slide provides basic information about the Senior Nutrition Program and how to find a local program.
Department: Social Security Administration
Grant Funding Available Through the Local Agriculture Market Program
February 14, 2023
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the 2023 Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), with a total of $133 million available in competitive grant funds to expand and strengthen local and regional food systems and increase the availability of locally grown agricultural products. LAMP is made up of the Farmers Market Promotion Program, the Local Food Promotion Program, and the Regional Food System Partnerships grant program.
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Marketing Service
Proposed Rule: Child Nutrition Programs: Revisions to Meal Patterns Consistent with the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
February 7, 2023
https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/proposed-updates-school-nutrition-standards
Based on the latest nutrition science and feedback from school meal partners, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service proposed updates to school nutrition standards in a few key areas to give children the right balance of nutrients for healthy and appealing meals. The proposed updates reflect the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans and build in ample time for planning and implementation to ensure the school meals community and children they serve can all enjoy long-term health and success. This proposed rule is the next step toward healthier school meals that USDA and the school meals community have been partnering on for well over a decade.
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture/Food and Nutrition Service
Award of Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative Cooperative Agreement for Recognition Awards and Sub-Grants to Small/Rural School Food Authorities
February 3, 2023
USDA Announces Steps To Improve Child Health through Nutritious School Meals | USDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service announced the award of the Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative Cooperative Agreement for Recognition Awards and Sub-Grants to Small/Rural School Food Authorities (SFA). The award will invest $100 million in the Healthy Meals Incentives initiative, which is dedicated to improving the nutritional quality of school meals.
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture/Food and Nutrition Service
New Discover MyPlate Nutrition Education Materials for Kindergarten in English and Spanish
January 26, 2023
www.fns.usda.gov/tn/discover-myplate-nutrition-education-kindergarten
Team Nutrition released updated and new popular assets as part of the Discover MyPlate: Nutrition Education for Kindergarten (Discover MyPlate) resource. A teacher’s guide, emergent reader mini books, food cards, kid-friendly recipe cards, student workbook, poster, parent handouts, and more were updated to reflect the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans and more foods from different cultures. Discover MyPlate’s standards-based nutrition education fosters the development of healthy food choices and physically active lifestyles during a critical developmental and learning period for children.
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture/Food and Nutrition Service
Cash Value Benefit in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
November 21, 2022 and January 4, 2023
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (PL 117-328, the Act) extends the temporary increase to the WIC cash value benefit to support access to and consumption of fruits and vegetables. Through proposed rulemaking, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is proposing to make this increase permanent, as well as expand the variety of fruits and vegetables participants can choose from.
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture/Food and Nutrition Service
Proposed Rule to Update the Package of Foods Offered by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
November 21, 2022
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is proposing updates to the WIC food packages with the overall goal of aligning the food packages with the latest nutrition science and providing increased flexibility and wider variety and choice for participants to accommodate personal preferences and cultural traditions. The proposed rule was published on November 21, 2022, and USDA accepted comments through February 21, 2023.
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture/Food and Nutrition Service
Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative Request for Applications — School Food Systems Transformation Challenge Sub-Grants Cooperative Agreement
November 10, 2022
Healthy Meals Incentives | Food and Nutrition Service (usda.gov)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) released a Request for Application (RFA) for the Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative School Food System Transformation Challenge Sub-Grants Cooperative Agreement. The RFA was for a cooperative agreement to manage sub-grants to School Food Authorities and/or nonprofit organizations to create innovative approach(es) in the improvement of healthy school meals. Through this cooperative agreement, FNS expects to award $50 million in total funding to one or more entities to encourage partnerships in which the goal is to create a resilient, equitable, and nutritious school food system. The awards are expected to be announced in March 2023.
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture/Food and Nutrition Service
Grant Awards to Strengthen Local and Regional Food Systems
October 19, 2022
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service awarded over $64 million for 185 grant projects to expand and strengthen local and regional food systems and increase the availability of locally grown agricultural products. The funding will be distributed through the Local Agriculture Market Program’s three programs — Farmers Market Promotion Program, Local Food Promotion Programs, and the Regional Food System Partnerships.
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Marketing Service
Fiscal Year 2023 Farm to School Grant Request for Applications
October 6, 2022
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=343898
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) released a Request for Applications to award competitive grants designed to improve access to local foods in eligible schools through activities such as developing school gardens, purchasing equipment, and training. Through this program, FNS expects to award approximately $12 million to projects led by state, local, and Tribal governments; nonprofit organizations; Child Nutrition program operators; and agricultural producers. The competition closed January 6, and awards are expected to be announced in July 2023.
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture/Food and Nutrition Service
Grant Awards to Strengthen Local and Regional Food Systems with Local Procurement for Schools
March 17, 2022 (ongoing)
The Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS) funds food assistance purchases of domestic local foods for distribution to schools. The goal of the program is to strengthen the food system for schools by helping to build a fair, competitive, and resilient local food chain and expand local and regional markets with an emphasis on purchasing from underserved producers and processors. A list of LFS agreements providing up to $200 million to purchase local food for schools can be found at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/selling-food-to-usda/lfs/exec-summaries
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Marketing Service
Grant Awards to Strengthen Local and Regional Food Systems with Local Food Purchase
December 6, 2021 (ongoing)
The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) uses non-competitive cooperative agreements to provide $400 million for state, Tribal, and territorial governments to purchase foods produced within the state or within 400 miles of the delivery destination to help support local, regional, and underserved producers. The purpose of this program is to maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency. A list of LFPA agreements can be found at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/selling-food-to-usda/lfpacap/exec-summaries
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Marketing Service
Pillar 4: Support physical activity for all
Bipartisan Safer Communities Act Stronger (BSCA) Connections Grant Program, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
November 2022
https://oese.ed.gov/files/2023/10/23-0083.BSCA-FAQs-approved-April-Final-Updated-October-2023.pdf
Through the BSCA Stronger Connections Grant Program FAQ, the Department of Education included guidance to states and school districts on how they can use funds under the BSCA grants to support physical activity for children. The guidance was released for public comment in November 2022.
Department: Department of Education
State Physical Activity and Nutrition Program — Funding Announcement
January 27, 2023
https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/state-local-programs/funding.html
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity published a new funding opportunity announcement that includes a physical activity component consistent with Active People, Healthy Nation strategies. This includes supporting physical activity through community design strategies and activity-friendly routes to destinations. Implementing nutrition strategies consistent with the Federal Food Service Guidelines is also included within this program. Recipients will receive up to $1.3 million/year, and CDC anticipates making 17 awards.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
State Physical Activity and Nutrition Program — Funded Recipient Announcement
August 31, 2023
https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/state-local-programs/span/span-2023.html
Seventeen states received funding to carry out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s State Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) program. In the 5-year program, the recipients will put into action evidence-based strategies for: healthy food choices easier everywhere through the promotion of food service guidelines and the expansion of existing fruit and vegetable voucher incentives and produce prescription programs, safe and accessible physical activity, continuity of care in breastfeeding support, and early care and education settings. SPAN programs support optimal early life growth and development as well as improved health for people most impacted by chronic diseases.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Physical Activity Guidelines Midcourse Report: Implementation Strategies for Older Adults
June 2023
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Midcourse Report: Implementation Strategies for Older Adults highlights strategies to increase physical activity among older adults in key settings and reinforces the amount and types of physical activity older adults need. The primary audiences for this report are policymakers; exercise and health professionals; health care providers; gerontologists; built environment professionals; and local, state, territorial, and tribal leaders. The report highlights strategies that these professionals, as well as others working with older adults, can implement wherever older adults spend their time — including in community, health care, and home settings. These strategies include policy, systems, and environmental approaches; behavior change; and physical activity programs.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/ Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Use of the Department of Transportation Funds for Public Involvement
February 10, 2023
Use of DOT Funds for Public Involvement | U.S. Department of Transportation
The Department of Transportation (DOT) published a set of frequently asked questions to support meaningful public engagement. The answers to these frequently asked questions can help grant applicants understand what types of public involvement costs may be eligible for federal funds. It also includes DOT’s published set of promising practices to help leaders in all modes of transportation in various roles — including policy, planning, engineering, operations, civil rights, grants and program management, environmental justice, and public involvement — understand meaningful public involvement, why it is important, and how to build organizational capacity for it.
Department: Department of Transportation
Preparing for Upcoming U.S. Department of Transportation Discretionary Grant Opportunities
February 9, 2023
Webinars: Navigating USDOT Funding and Technical Assistance | U.S. Department of Transportation
The Department of Transportation hosted a webinar with over 4,000 attendees to learn more about existing technical resources to help potential applicants identify funding opportunities and prepare applications.
Department: Department of Transportation
Complete Streets Webpage
February 3, 2023
Complete Streets | FHWA (dot.gov)
The Department of Transportation launched a Complete Streets Webpage including support to plan and analyze Complete Streets. It provides resources including training, tools, and examples for transportation professionals, the public, and other stakeholders for (1) prioritizing safety for all users while planning and analyzing projects at a corridor and network level, and (2) measuring performance of the roadway system for all road users. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is also now providing a Complete Streets Training course to agencies in areas with high pedestrian and bicycle fatalities.
Department: Department of Transportation
Award Announcements for Safe Streets and Roads for All Discretionary Grant Program
February 1, 2023
SS4A 2022 Awards | U.S. Department of Transportation
The Department of Transportation announced $800 million in grant awards for 510 communities through the first round of funding for the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program. These awards include 473 Action Plan Grants and 37 Implementation Grants.
Department: Department of Transportation
Pedestrian and Bicycle Funding Opportunities: Transit, Safety, And Highway Funds
February 1, 2023
Pedestrian and Bicycle Funding Opportunities: Transit, Safety, And Highway Funds
The Pedestrian and Bicycle Funding Opportunities table indicates potential eligibility for pedestrian and bicycle activities and projects under the Department of Transportation’s surface transportation funding programs to support safety, mobility, and accessibility including for people with disabilities. A poster is under development to help publicize this resource.
Department: Department of Transportation
Improving Road Safety for All Users
January 31, 2023
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published a notice of Request for Information (RFI) on Improving Road Safety for All Users on Federal-Aid Projects. The RFI requests comments on whether changes to the FHWA Design Standards regulation or other FHWA regulations are needed to facilitate the development of Complete Streets and Complete Networks that serve all users and includes a focus on improving safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users.
Department: Department of Transportation
Award Announcements and Call for Letters of Interest for Thriving Communities Program
October 6, 2022
Thriving Communities Program | U.S. Department of Transportation
The Thriving Communities Program provides technical assistance, planning, and capacity building support over a two-year period to ensure that disadvantaged communities adversely or disproportionately affected by environmental, climate, and human health policy outcomes have the technical tools and organizational capacity to compete for federal aid and deliver quality infrastructure projects that enable their communities and neighborhoods to thrive. The Department of Transportation is in the process of reviewing applications for selection and anticipates announcing $21 million of funding in spring 2023.
Department: Department of Transportation
Department of Transportation Navigator
June 6, 2022
DOT Navigator | U.S. Department of Transportation
The Department of Transportation (DOT) launched an online portal to help communities identify existing technical assistance resources through a searchable database, and also to help potential applicants prepare to apply for DOT grants. The Navigator includes information on technical assistance resources to support active transportation, safety and public health, and other critical transportation and community topics.
Department: Department of Transportation
Consider the Stairs
November 1, 2022
The General Services Administration (GSA) reinvigorated the Consider the Stairs campaign, which encourages tenants and guests to consider increased stair usage to improve health. Posters have been displayed in elevator lobbies and stairwell entrances throughout GSA buildings to promote the campaign. Additionally, information about the campaign and posters have been shared on GSA’s public website (GSA.gov) to encourage other federal agencies to adopt the concept.
Department: General Services Administration
Free Entrance Days in National Parks
December 8, 2022
Free Entrance Days in the National Parks Press Release; Free Entrance Days in the National Parks Website | U.S. National Park Service (nps.gov)
The National Park Service (NPS) announced five entrance fee-free days for calendar year 2023: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (1/16), First Day of National Park Week (4/22), Great American Outdoors Day (8/4), National Public Lands Day (9/23), and Veterans Day (11/11). By waiving entrance fees on these days of commemoration or celebration, the NPS is increasing access to national parks and promoting outdoor recreation and physical activity. Throughout calendar year 2023, the NPS will continue to promote different ways for the public to gain free access to national parks.
Department: Department of the Interior/National Park Service
Pillar 5: Enhance nutrition and food security research
Variations in Fruit, Vegetable, and Sugar Sweetened Beverage Intake Among Young Children by State, United States 2021 — Journal Publication, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
February 17, 2023
In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added 5 questions about children’s dietary patterns and physical activity to the Health Resources and Services Administration’s annual National Survey of Children’s Health. The new questions asked parents of children aged 1 to 5 years old about their child’s dietary patterns and physical activity. The new data was released in October 2022, and this newly published analysis in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report provides a metric by which states can monitor progress on improving early child nutrition and potentially focus their future programmatic efforts.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Appointment of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee
January 19, 2023
Members of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Announced | HHS.gov
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) selected a 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee that has a diverse membership with respect to points of view, expertise, experience, education, and institutional affiliation to reflect the racial, ethnic, gender, and geographic diversity of the U.S. The Committee is tasked with reviewing the current body of nutrition science on specific topics and questions and developing a scientific report that includes its independent, science-based advice for HHS and USDA to consider and help inform the development of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; U.S. Department of Agriculture/Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion
Food is Medicine Networks or Centers of Excellence
January 19, 2023
The Food is Medicine Networks or Centers of Excellence program will support research to develop common evaluation metrics capable of measuring the outcomes of Food is Medicine interventions on different health conditions.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/National Institutes of Health
Innovations in Nutrition Programs and Services Funding Opportunities
November 29, 2022
New Grant Opportunities: Innovations in Nutrition Programs and Services
The Administration for Community Living (ACL) released two Innovations in Nutrition Programs and Services funding opportunities for cooperative agreements to establish or replicate innovative approaches to enhance the quality, effectiveness, and outcomes of nutrition programs and services within the aging services network. ACL anticipates providing $4.17 million in funding for up to six replications and five research grant awards.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/Administration for Community Living
National Institutes of Health Advanced Training in Artificial Intelligence for Precision Nutrition Science Research (AIPrN) – Institutional Research Training Programs (T32)
October 3, 2022
https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-OD-22-027.html
The goal of the National Institutes of Health Advanced Training in Artificial Intelligence for Precision Nutrition Science Research (AIPrN) institutional training program is to build a diverse workforce with competencies in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science analytics to use growing data resources in order to tackle complex biomedical challenges in nutrition science. It is expected that such research will lead to the development of innovative solutions to combat diet-related chronic diseases and nutrition disparities.
Supported programs:
- Arizona State University Tempe campus, Interdisciplinary Systems-based Training for Precision Nutrition, T32DK137525
- Cornell University, Artificial Intelligence and Precision Nutrition Training Program, T32HD113301
- University of Hawaii at Manoa, The Hawaii Advanced Training in Artificial Intelligence for Precision Nutrition Science Research, T32DK137523
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/National Institutes of Health
National Institutes of Health Common Fund Community Partnerships to Advance Science for Society (ComPASS) Program
September 12, 2022
https://commonfund.nih.gov/compass
To advance the science of health disparities and advance health equity research, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Common Fund launched the Community Partnerships to Advance Science for Society (ComPASS) Program. The goals of ComPASS are to 1) develop, share, and evaluate community-led health equity structural interventions that leverage partnerships across multiple sectors to reduce health disparities, and 2) develop a new health equity research model for community-led, multisectoral structural intervention research across NIH and other federal agencies.
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/National Institutes of Health
Stimulating Research to Understand and Address Hunger, Food and Nutrition Insecurity
June 21, 2022
https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-22-135.html
The purpose of the Stimulating Research to Understand and Address Hunger, Food and Nutrition Insecurity funding announcement is to encourage research on the efficacy of interventions that address nutrition security and the mechanisms of food insecurity on a variety of health outcomes. It also calls for the development of new measures for nutrition security and assessment of food insecurity that are broadly applicable.
Supported program:
- University of California, San Francisco, Food Security and Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, R01HL164727
Department: Department of Health and Human Services/National Institutes of Health
Agricultural Science Center of Excellence for Nutrition and Diet for Better Health (ASCEND for Better Health)
December 5, 2022
The ASCEND for Better Health is a new virtual center that will accelerate research on diet-related chronic diseases, with a long-term goal of translating research into impactful solutions that improve public health and well-being, particularly in underserved communities. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is enhancing its research focus on precision nutrition science to better understand the needs of underserved communities. This research complements ongoing programmatic efforts to advance food and nutrition security — which means consistent and equitable access to healthy, safe, and affordable foods essential to optimal health and well-being.
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture/Research, Education, and Economics
Inter-Agency Agreement with U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture
November 2022
Investing in the WIC Workforce | Food and Nutrition Service (usda.gov)
U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) entered into an Inter-Agency Agreement with USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to invest $21 million in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) workforce. Combining the experience and expertise of FNS and NIFA, including NIFA’s partnerships with Land-Grant Universities and Colleges, FNS will use American Rescue Plan Act funds to invest in research, education, and extension to increase the diversity and cultural competency of the WIC workforce. Investing in and diversifying the WIC workforce will support WIC staff and ensure skilled and culturally relevant care for WIC families.
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture/National Institute of Food and Agriculture
International Food Acquisition Research and Methods (iFARM) Workshop
October 20-21, 2022
https://socialdatascience.umd.edu/events-2/ifarm/agenda-ifarm-workshop/
The iFARM workshop was jointly organized by U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Economic Research Service and the Social Data Science Center at the University of Maryland and provided a venue for researchers from different disciplines and countries to discuss advancements in methods for collecting and processing food acquisition data. The workshop featured 15 invited talks, 3 keynote addresses, and 2 panel sessions.
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture/Economic Research Service
Exploring Linkages Between Soil Health and Human Health
September 30, 2022
A committee appointed by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will review the state of knowledge on linkages between soil health and human health and prepare a report describing the potential to increase the human health benefits from microbial resources in the soil. The committee’s report will describe key findings and knowledge gaps, identify promising research directions, and offer recommendations for enhancing the human health benefits of the soil microbiome.
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture/National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Next Generation of Diverse Food and Agriculture Professionals Program (NEXTGEN)
August 24, 2022
The “From Learning to Leading: Cultivating the NEXTGEN” program focuses on 1890 institutions, 1994 institutions, Alaska Native- and Native-Hawaiian serving institutions, Hispanic-serving institutions, and insular area institutions of higher education located in the U.S. territories. NEXTGEN enables these institutions to build and sustain the next generation of the food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences workforce, including the future workforce of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA anticipates providing $250 million in funding for Fiscal Year 2022.
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture/National Institute of Food and Agriculture
