Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Monday, September 11, 2023
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Saturday, September 9, 2023
Modernizing SNAP Transactions with Local Farmers-USA(Posted by Katrina Johnston, Public Affairs Specialist, Food and Nutrition Service in Food and Nutrition Aug 10, 2023)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition assistance to about 42 million Americans in need each month. USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) ensures that benefits are as convenient and easy to use as possible, however, historically there have been challenges when it comes to connecting participants with local farmers. Fortunately, modern technologies and innovative solutions have emerged to bridge this gap. By embracing online purchasing and mobile payment systems, FNS is creating a more efficient, inclusive, and mutually beneficial relationship between SNAP participants and farmers.
Thanks to a partnership between USDA and the National Association of Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (NAFMNP), direct marketing farmers are now able to accept SNAP payment online. The first direct marketing farmer enabled to accept SNAP online is River Queen Greens, a vegetable farm in New Orleans, Louisiana. SNAP online payments increase accessibility for River Queen Greens customers. “Having the capability for SNAP online payments makes the purchasing process much more seamless,” said co-owner Annie Moore.
Until recently, accepting SNAP payment online was an option primarily available for traditional brick and mortar retailers. As a result of the partnership with NAFMNP, SNAP participants can now purchase produce online from participating local farmers for pick-up or delivery. NAFMNP MarketLink’s Online SNAP solution will help small farmers attract new SNAP customers while providing SNAP participants with better access to fresh, locally grown produce. A win-win for all parties involved!
Thousands of direct marketing farmers apply for SNAP authorization each year. As part of our ongoing support for these farmers, USDA recently opened the competition for the Mobile Application Cooperative Agreement for SNAP Farmers and Markets. Through this grant, up to $4 million in funding will be provided to up to two grantees over a three-year period. The grantees will provide technical assistance to direct marketing farmers selling at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, or pick-your-own operations, who wish to become SNAP authorized and enable them to use their mobile phone to conduct transactions. As with past grants, farmers marketing directly to consumers would continue to be provided with a mobile app and a card reader to accept SNAP payments using their mobile phone. The current grant competition is open for applications between July 6-September 5, 2023.
USDA is also helping SNAP participants access more healthy foods from local producers. The SNAP Healthy Incentives Programs encourage healthier eating by incentivizing the purchase of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy foods at participating retailers, including at farmers’ markets. To find out how your local farmers market can participate in an incentive program, you may visit the SNAP Healthy Incentives page.
For more information about the SNAP Online Purchasing program and the full list of retailers approved to provide SNAP online purchasing, visit the SNAP Online webpage. USDA also recommends visiting your local retailer’s website to find out whether grocery delivery is available for your location.
USDA- US Department of Agriculture
Feds Feed Families During Hunger Action Month.
Sep 08, 2023.
USDA's Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services is dedicated to advancing food and nutrition security through the administration of 16 federal nutrition assistance programs to ensure that every American, regardless of race, ethnicity, or background, has access to healthy, safe, affordable food. We reach 1 in 4 Americans through our programs.
Our 1,800 employees work tirelessly every day to support our partners in running these food and nutrition assistance programs.
With the Feds Feed Families (FFF) campaign, all federal employees have an opportunity to help ensure everyone in our communities has access to healthy food.
The FFF summer campaign was launched to help food banks meet the increased demand for food during summer break, when donations are typically lower and families with children do not have access to USDA’s school meal programs.
While Labor Day may mark the end of summer, food and nutrition insecurity persists year-round. And September is Hunger Action Month.
You can make a difference today. Donate food or give your time to local food banks and pantries to help ensure that everyone has greater access the healthy foods they need to thrive.
Recently, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Capital Area Food Bank warehouse in Washington, D.C. where we spent the morning packing 5-pound boxes of protein (chicken and fish). When combined with a selection of fresh fruits and veggies and shelf-stable foods, each 25-pound box will feed a family of four for 4 days. During Hunger Action Month, please find ways to get involved on the FFF Hub.
A Short note on Indian Agriculture
Agriculture, with its allied sectors, is unquestionably the largest livelihood provider in India, more so in the vast rural areas. It also contributes a significant figure to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Sustainable agriculture, in terms of food security, rural employment, and environmentally sustainable technologies such as soil conservation, sustainable natural resource management and biodiversity protection, are essential for holistic rural development. Indian agriculture and allied activities have witnessed a green revolution, a white revolution, a yellow revolution and a blue revolution.
This section provides the information on agriculture produces; machineries, research etc. Detailed information on the government policies, schemes, agriculture loans, market prices, animal husbandry, fisheries, horticulture, loans & credit, sericulture etc. is also available.
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https://news.yahoo.com/green-revolution-warning-not-blueprint-123415442.html?soc_src=social-sh&soc_trk=ma Sent from Mail for Windows
