Yesterday (Sept. 22, 2021), during the hybrid 2021 National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Annual Meeting, NASDA members adopted an action item to support and expand emergency food supply networks. Specifically, NASDA members emphasized the importance of ensuring state agriculture departments can utilize new USDA funds as they become available to support their states’ communities.
NASDA CEO Dr. Barb Glenn reflected on the unprecedented challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has presented the food supply system and NASDA members’ responsibility of supporting healthy communities.
“NASDA members are committed to offsetting the effects of the pandemic, and we haven’t forgotten that people and businesses are still recovering. State agriculture departments have proven their integral role in food supply chain resiliency and have provided millions in need with food throughout the pandemic,” Glenn said.
Earlier this year, NASDA developed the NASDA Food Security Toolkit to connect local farmers and ranchers with local food banks and community leaders.
“Partnerships are an important tool needed to combat food security and the effects of COVID-19. When given the resources, state departments of agriculture can implement federal programs at the state level and best meet local objectives and strategies focusing on food insecurity,” Glenn said.
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