WASHINGTON, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture says 14 communities in eight states will receive almost $5 million in grants to help low-income people get better nutrition.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Wednesday the USDA is spreading the $4.98 million among public, private and non-profit partners to help them coordinate activities designed to help low-income people get the nutrition they need.
A release by the Agriculture Department said the grants are authorized by the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 to fund research, planning and activities designed to improve access to nutrition assistance for those in need.
"The Hunger-Free Communities Grants underscore the administration's priorities to both end hunger and promote healthier diets for every American," Vilsack said. "Our valued state and community partners are uniquely positioned to create and implement sustainable solutions to ending hunger."
The 14 communities receiving grants are in New York, New Jersey, California, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington and Maryland, the release said.
In 2009 statistics showed more than 17 million children lived in "food insecure" households, and these initiatives are designed to help families and individuals put food on the table, the department said.
"The health and well-being of our nation is dependent on the health of our children," said Vilsack. "It's imperative that we make these critical investments in our children, our most vulnerable and valuable resource, to help them reach their full potential."
