2014 Farm Bill Implementation: By the Numbers

Overview

2014 Farm Bill programs impact every American and millions of people around the world. Since President Obama signed it into law one year ago, USDA has made important progress to implement every title of the 2014 Farm Bill.

Building Healthy Communities

Overview

This brochure includes information on United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) policies and programs that help strengthen our food economy and local communities. There are brief descriptions of key Farm Bill provisions, examples of how some of these programs are being used, and links to more in-depth resources.

WEBINAR-Funding Your Healthy Food Project with USDA Resources

Overview

As a nation, we must foster a food system that ensures urban and rural communities have access to fresh and healthy foods; small and mid-size farmers can produce and market food in an economically and sustainable manner; and consumers have the resources they need to live healthy and productive lives.
 
This webinar introduces the audience to several programs at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and provide examples of how USDA funding is being tapped to improve access to healthy foods and support local food system development in low-income urban communities.

Approximately 1 Million Unemployed Childless Adults Will Lose SNAP Benefits in 2016 as State Waivers Expire

Overview

Roughly 1 million of the nation’s poorest people will be cut off SNAP (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) over the course of 2016, due to the return in many areas of a three-month limit on SNAP benefits for unemployed adults aged 18-50 who aren’t disabled or raising minor children.  These individuals will lose their food assistance benefits after three months regardless of how hard they are looking for work. 

The State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America 2014

Overview

In this report, we focus on some of the highest-impact approaches, including implementation of policies to: increase physical activity before, during and after school; offer nutritious food and beverages at school; make healthy, affordable food prevalent in all communities; ensure healthy food and beverage marketing practices; engage healthcare professionals to more effectively prevent obesity both within and outside the clinic walls, in collaboration with community partners; and intensify our focus on prevention in early childhood. 

2012 Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) Grantee List

Overview

FY 2012 Healthy Food Financing Initiative Grantees.

2013 Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) Grantee List

Overview

FY 2013 Healthy Food Financing Initiative Grantees.

WEBINAR-Engaging Community Partners to Support Healthy Food Retail

Overview

Over the past several years, healthy food retail has become an effective strategy for improving the economic health and well-being of communities. Community leaders, businesses, nonprofits, and local government are recognizing the key to a successful operation often hinges on community involvement and participation. The integration of community in planning and development is essential to successfully increase access to healthy foods, create jobs, and provide communities with new or improved place-based spaces that encourage neighborhood revitalization.
 
This webinar discusses how healthy food retail developers are engaging community stakeholders to ensure local residents have a stake in, benefit from, and have greater access to healthy foods. Speakers in this webinar discuss how equitable development is a sustainable growth model and strategy to ensure residents benefit from having additional retail in their neighborhoods.
 
Webinar speakers include:
 
--Mary Lee, Deputy Director, PolicyLink (Moderator)
 
--Donna Leuchten, Director of Sustainable Food Systems, Uplift Solutions
 
--Esther Park, Community Outreach Coordinator, Los Angeles Food Policy Council
 
--Mariela Cedeño, Director, Social Enterprise and Microfinance, Mandela Marketplace

Food Oasis Portfolio

Overview

The Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Program at the Washington State Department of Health compiled a list of existing online resources to help communities improve access to healthy foods in all the places where people are born, live, learn, work, and play. These resources include: 
• Tools for assessing food environments.
• Strategies for building a food oasis in your community, schools, hospital,worksite, childcare, retailer.
• Funding opportunities.
• Research and reports on the importance of access to healthy foods.
 
 

WEBINAR-Working with Community Development Financial Institutions

Overview

CDFIs are mission-driven organizations that work in economically distressed communities underserved by conventional financial institutions and capital markets. CDFIs have taken the lead across the country providing financing for healthy food retail and food system development. This webinar will introduce the audience to CDFIs and feature different financial products that CDFIs can use to finance your healthy food projects and provide examples of successful projects.

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