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October 2009 > USDA announces "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" campaign, launches new Web site to support efforts

The USDA announced a new initiative Sept. 15 designed to build vibrant local and regional food systems that provide healthful food and build the economic base of rural communities. The USDA launched a web site for the 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative that includes a listing of various USDA grant and loan programs that can support local food system development, among other resources.  

As part of the announcement, the USDA announced a new local food initiative for schools that provides an additional $50 million a year to help schools purchase local food, clears up food procurement rules to allow for a wide range of local, minimally processed foods to be purchased by schools, and creates USDA “tactical teams“ to help schools and farmers design programs that will facilitate local purchasing. The $50 million in annual funding for additional local and regional food purchases comes from the Department of Defense Fresh (“DOD Fresh“) program administered by USDA.

For more information contact Florida Organic Growers at 352.377.6345, email fog@foginfo.org or visit the "Know Your Farmer, Know your Food" web site.

RESOURCES

USDA "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" Web site
USDA Press Release: "USDA Launches 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' Initiative to Connect Consumers with Local Producers to Create New Economic Opportunities for Communities"
USDA Press Release: "Agriculture Deputy Secretary Merrigan Announces Initiative To Connect Children To Where Their Food Comes From And Provide More Local Foods In School Lunches"