Hunger/Food/Nutrition / Public News Service

Analysts with UnidosUS say the $23 billion average annual SNAP cut under the House budget resolution would be more than three times the size of the largest previous cut ever made to the food-assistance program. (Photo courtesy Farmers Market Coalition)

Thursday, May 8, 2025

For MN, SNAP benefits reach farmers markets, other parts of economy

Congressional Republicans are poised to move forward with a proposal that would bring major cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program…

In 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded $7.4 million in grants to boost urban farming and food access in struggling communities. (Joshua Resnick/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Community leaders in MO take action amid threats to SNAP benefits

As the national debate intensifies over cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance benefits and school meal funding, Missouri food system leaders are …

Proposals to cut SNAP come on top of a USDA decision in April to cancel 30 truckloads of food bound for Oregon food banks. (Ekkarat_Studio/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Federal cuts to food assistance would hit many Oregonians

Groups fighting hunger in Oregon are urging residents to speak up if they are concerned about the cuts Congress could make to food, health care and …

After a series of challenging health issues, Angelo Jimenez completed Roadrunner Food Bank's job training program and was offered a full-time role with the nonprofit. (rrfb.org)

New Mexico job training program returns to lift all boats

New Mexico's Roadrunner Food Bank is again offering job training after its program was temporarily suspended during the COVID pandemic. Teresa …

More than one in three Ohio parents with children under 5 report serious problems paying rent or mortgage, according to a statewide Groundwork Ohio poll. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 5, 2025

Ohio families left waiting as child tax credit stalls

A refundable child tax credit aimed at helping families with young children was proposed in Gov. DeWine's budget but was stripped out by the Ohio …

Environmental experts say you shouldn't stress out about the carbon footprint from grilling because it is meant to be an enjoyable experience. Still, they urge trying

Health experts teach Marylanders to keep grills safe this summer

That unmistakable smell of hamburgers or steak on outdoor grills will soon be making its way through Maryland neighborhoods. With weather warming up…

An American Heart Association program is helping Washington food pantries tailor their supplies by adopting nutritional guidelines for the food they distribute. (Adobe Stock/AI)

WA food pantries implement new policies to provide healthy nutrition

Research shows people experiencing food insecurity often suffer from chronic health conditions due to a lack of proper nutrition. Now, a group of …

Mexican Agriculture Minister Julio Berdegue said 90% of the tomatoes exported by Mexico go to the United States. (Pixabay)

FL tomato industry enters new era as U.S.-Mexico trade agreement ends

The Florida tomato industry is stepping into uncharted territory following the termination of a decades old trade agreement with Mexico, marking what …

A key factor for producers is whether the Trump administration's Department of Agriculture will provide financial relief to farmers as the Department did during President Donald Trump's first term. (Branex/Adobe Stock)

Tennessee farmers, consumers expected to feel Trump's tariffs

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Tennessee News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabora…

In 2023, nearly 18% of U.S. households with children faced food insecurity, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio lawmakers consider free meals for all K-12 students

By Lauren Cohen / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. S.B. 109, a bill that …

Healthy School Meals for All serves up more than 600,000 meals every school day in Colorado, regardless of a student's ability to pay. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado voters could decide fate of Healthy School Meals for All

As Colorado lawmakers grapple with $1.2 billion in budget cuts, child nutrition advocates are turning to voters to protect funding for the state's …

According to a study by Harvard University, nearly 25 million Americans live in areas without enough dentists. Dental experts warned taking fluoride out of water in areas with few dentists could lead to more tooth decay. (JackF/Adobe Stock)

Some AR communities without fluoridated water also experience dentist shortage

By Brett Kelman for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Service Co…

Lawmakers are considering several bills that would impact small farmers, including bills that would require country-of-origin labels and allow the sale of raw milk at farmers markets. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

TX lawmakers consider bills to help small farmers, home food businesses

Members of a Texas House committee this week will consider a bill that would limit the number of permits farmers must have to participate at farmers m…

Since bird flu outbreaks began in 2022, more than 456,000 birds in Tennessee have been affected, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Abdullah/Adobe Stock)

TN poultry expert says backyard chickens won't save money on eggs

Rising egg prices have some wondering if raising backyard chickens could save money, but experts warn that this may not be a money-saving option…

About 9% of Virginians receive benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. (Adobe Stock)

VA students, local economies would suffer from possible SNAP cuts

As lawmakers on Capitol Hill discuss trillions in spending cuts, opponents warned students on SNAP and free school meal programs would suffer…

Ohio's tomato growers harvest more than 300,000 tons annually. It is a crop heavily dependent on preserved genetic traits for disease resistance and shelf life. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio crops at risk as federal cuts disrupt seed preservation

A little-known federal program has quietly safeguarded the crops feeding the nation, including key Ohio staples like soybeans, tomatoes, corn and …

Every dollar invested in SNAP generates between $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity. There are currently 3,100 authorized SNAP retailers in Colorado. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Coloradans' hand-written letters on SNAP cuts heading to nation's capital

Two leading Colorado nonprofits working to end hunger are collecting hand-written letters from a wide range of people who would be directly impacted i…

Rural development experts said because of food deserts, some rural residents in North Dakota travel 100-200 miles to one of the state's 10 largest cities to buy groceries at a 'big box' store. (Adobe Stock)

ND follows up with new aid to keep rural grocery stores open

North Dakota's governor this week signed a bill maintaining state funding for rural communities in dire need of thriving grocery stores. The state …

The U.S., New Zealand, Norway and Canada are among the countries with the highest rates of volunteer participation. (theotherhouse/Adobe Stock)

New Mexico's food bank volunteers provide millions of meals

More than 6,000 volunteers who support New Mexico's Roadrunner Food Bank are being recognized during National Volunteer Week, which starts today…

According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, 41% of Wyoming's farmers are women. (Adobe Stock)

Beginning farmers in WY could get a boost from Congress

More than one quarter of Wyoming's farmers started producing in the past ten years and are considered beginners by the U.S. Department of Agriculture…

Iowa's individual income tax rate ranges from 4.40% to 5.70%, according to the Tax Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa rights activists plan to fight social service cuts

Groups working for human rights causes in Iowa warn proposed cuts being debated in Congress would trickle down to the people least able to sustain the…

As of October 2024, approximately 37 million children in the United States were enrolled in Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This represents about 49% of all U.S. children.<br />(Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Michigan policy expert unpacks impact of proposed Medicaid cuts

According to state data, as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, face cuts, Michigan's most vulnerable stand to lose …

Colorado is the second-largest fresh potato growing region in the nation, and the crop is a significant financial driver in the rural San Luis Valley. (Adobe Stock)

DOGE funding cuts could impact America's 'seed bunkers'

Scientists at 22 U.S. sites including in Fort Collins have been working without fanfare to maintain the the genetic diversity of the nation's …

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun signed nine executive orders Tuesday which he said aim to improve the health in the state. (Indiana Governor's office)

Candy, soda out as Indiana reworks SNAP benefits

Gov. Mike Braun rolled out a sweeping health and government assistance initiative Tuesday, backed by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert …

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MAHA movement aims to reverse American farming policy

By Jessica Scott-Reid for Sentient.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabo…

Potatoes are one of 200 crops pivotal to the U.S. food system. DOGE has made cuts to the U.S. agency that maintains the crops' genetics and seed supply. (Adobe Stock)

DOGE cuts funding to seed banks, threatens WY. food security

Federal scientists at 22 U.S. sites maintain the nation's agricultural seed stores collected since 1898 but the Trump administration's DOGE agency …

Advocates for greater enforcement of a longstanding antitrust law say the lack of fairness in consumer prices often originates from the wholesale market, arguing box stores have too much leverage. (Adobe Stock)

Wanna help the little guy? SD grocery owner says make use of old law

The latest trade war under the Trump administration is stirring debate about whether tariffs are effective, and a South Dakota business is arguing a 1…

The Honor Farmer Contracts Act would require the USDA to give a 60-day notice of any agency closures. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., is among those who introduced the bill last month. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed bill aims to pay farmers back for disrupted grants

A Wisconsin-based nonprofit hopes a new law can help some of its struggling farmers quickly recoup federal grant funds they are owed. The Honor …

Global food security depends on work done by U.S. National Plant Germplasm System. Its scientists and funding are on the DOGE chopping block. (s1llu/Adobe Stock/AI enhanced)<br />

America's historic crops at risk as DOGE cuts funding for seed bunkers

Working without fanfare, federal scientists at 22 U.S. sites maintain the nation's agricultural plant species collected since 1898, including crops …

Rates of hunger are rising in Oregon and across the country, with Black and Latino families experiencing food insecurity at nearly double the rate of white households. (Natalie Kiyah, Oregon Food Bank)

Food advocates: extend benefits to all OR children

Each legislative session, Oregon's Joint Ways & Means Committee holds a statewide roadshow to hear from residents about their priorities. At the …

About 259,300 Iowans, or 8% of the state's population, rely on SNAP benefits. A large portion are children, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. (Adobe Stock)

SNAP benefit cuts would fall squarely on Iowa kids

Groups working to fight hunger in Iowa say proposed cuts to SNAP benefits would fall squarely on the state's kids, who rely on them for food and …

More than 40% of the 157,000 Nebraskans who receive SNAP benefits are children, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska social justice group pushes back on SNAP changes

The State of Nebraska is asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture to change which items people are allowed to purchase using Supplemental Nutrition …

When a tariff is imposed, the importing business pays the tax to the U.S. Treasury Department. Importers then pass much of the added cost to consumers. (freshidea/Adobe Stock)

Texans brace for financial impact of trade wars

Texas is the number one exporting state in the nation - and although tariffs with Mexico and Canada have been delayed, Texans are still uneasy about …

According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, 41% of beginning producers were female, as opposed to 36% of all U.S. producers. (Adobe Stock)

Congress aims to assist new farmers with accessing land in OH, nationwide

Ohio ranks fourth in the nation for the number of farms, with more than 75,000, and beginning farmers in the Buckeye State and nationwide may soon be …

The study analyzed 56 million cow-level production records across 18,000 dairy farms from 2012 to 2016. (Adobe Stock)

New study: Small farms disproportionately impacted by extreme heat

A new study shows how extreme weather conditions negatively affect production yields on Midwest dairy farms, with a disproportionate impact on …

Steps for poultry farmers to prevent bird flu include restricting birds' movement and enhancing farm sanitation practices. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: People fear bird flu's impact on finances over health

Since January, there have been outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza on four commercial farms in Maryland, affecting nearly 800,000 chickens meant for …

The loss of consistency in federal shipments has created major challenges for food banks' planning and distribution efforts across Indiana. (Adobe stock)

Indiana food banks struggle as USDA pulls back funding

Indiana food banks are bracing for a major disruption as the U.S. Department of Agriculture suspends $500 million in food deliveries nationwide…

The 1,500 Black farmers in Arkansas grow everything from soybeans to corn, cotton, peas and sweet potatoes. (JackF/Adobe Stock)

Black AR farmers mostly unaffected by USDA funding freeze

U.S. Department of Agriculture cuts have affected farming communities nationwide but a national group said Black farmers are largely unaffected…

According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, 41% of beginning producers were female, compared with 36% of all U.S. producers. (Kostiantyn/Adobe Stock)

Bipartisan bill aims to tackle farmland access crisis in MO, nationwide

Missouri ranks second in the nation for the number of farms, with more than 85,000. Beginning farmers in the state and across the nation may soon …

In the Biden administration's final year, the USDA and EPA reaffirmed a goal to halve food waste by 2030 but supermarkets are not legally required to comply. Retailers can help by donating unsold food and educating consumers on cutting waste at home. (lado2016/Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: Major supermarkets fail to cut food-related methane emissions

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Tennessee News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborati…

In 2023, the USDA gave Oregon just over $2 million for the federal Farm to School reimbursement grant. Those funds have now been cancelled. (Robert Kneschke/Adobe Stock)

OR hunger-fighting advocates: USDA cuts 'cruel'

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is cutting two federal programs that provide over $1 billion annually to support schools and food banks in …

The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas says it hopes to work with local farmers again in some capacity in the future. (Daniel Vincek/Adobe Stock)

Food-insecure AR families could suffer because of federal cuts

Arkansas families who are food insecure could be hurt by federal cuts to programs and services. Those fighting the war on hunger across the Natural …

Wisconsin was set to receive more than $11 million this year from the Local Food for Schools program and about $5.5 million from the Local Food Purchase Assistance program. (Adobe Stock)

WI schools cancel local farm partnerships due to federal cuts

By Josh Israel for the Wisconsin Independent.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for the Wisconsin Indepen…

In addition to gut health benefits, many researchers say reducing meat consumption and increasing plant-based foods can help lower greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water and reduce the environmental footprint of food production. (NDABCREATIVITY/Adobe Stock)<br />

Studies highlight gut health benefits of plant-forward diets in MI

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabora…

More than 42 million people relied on SNAP benefits to purchase food, as of March 15 2025, according to federal data. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Proposed changes to SNAP funding structure could hurt Kentuckians

As federal funding cuts for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program loom, Kentucky experts said proposed changes to shift funding onto states …

The Little Village Environmental Justice Organization has become as much as a landmark to the community as the Little Village Arch and was awarded the national Food Sovereignty Prize in 2024. (City of Chicago 2021)

Chicago nonprofit transforms former toxic site to feed community

By Angela Burke for Civil Eats.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pub…

Economists with the American Farm Bureau Federation said there are still unknowns but it is clear the escalating trade war will decrease demand for U.S. products in the second- and third-largest export markets for American farmers. (Adobe Stock)

Federal moves leave MN farmers in state of limbo

The Trump administration announces its new wave of tariffs Wednesday, and with U.S. Department of Agriculture funding still a question mark, …

Medicaid is jointly funded by the federal government and individual states, with each state managing its own program within federal guidelines. (Oleksandre/Adobe Stock)

Nonprofits warn proposed Medicaid cuts could devastate millions of Missourians

About 1.3 million Missourians are currently enrolled in Medicaid and nonprofits around the state have warned proposed federal cuts would be devastatin…

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