Federal agencies outline changes affecting nutrition benefits and conservation programs.
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced new steps affecting nutrition assistance and agricultural conservation, including the approval of waivers allowing additional states to restrict SNAP purchases of certain foods and beverages. Six states—Hawai‘i, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia—received approval to limit the use of SNAP benefits for items such as junk food, joining 12 states that received similar waivers earlier in the year.
“The Department of Agriculture is empowering states with unprecedented flexibility to manage their nutrition programs. This is a bipartisan commitment from red and blue states alike, and SNAP is finally being steered back toward its intended purpose: getting wholesome foods on the plates of America’s most vulnerable,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins.
The USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) also recently announced a new Farmer First Regenerative Agriculture Pilot Program, which will invest $700 million through existing conservation programs to support soil health, water quality, and long-term farm productivity.
“Farmers intrinsically know that working in harmony with the natural abundance of the earth promotes nutrient-dense soil, which makes our food healthier and our land more productive,” said Secretaries Rollins and Kennedy. “Strengthening America’s economy, securing the nation’s food supply, and prioritizing the health of every American have been defining pillars of President Trump’s agenda.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Rollins and USDA officials as they implement waivers allowing states to limit SNAP coverage to healthier nutrition.
- For Secretary Kennedy as he oversees the collaboration with USDA to improve the nutrients in farming soil.
- For federal and state leaders as they seek to ensure nutrition and agriculture programs serve their purposes and remain accessible to those who need the support.
Sources: Department of Agriculture
