Jan 18 Many families and stores rely on SNAP benefits. The shutdown may pinch them both By Laura Santhanam Nationwide, 38 million Americans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the country’s largest safety net program, for food and nutrition, but future funding is uncertain amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. Continue reading
Jul 25 Watch 7:36 The challenge of reaching hungry kids when school is out By PBS News Hour Summertime is supposed to be fun for children and families, but for millions, the absence of free school meals or discounted lunches is a cause for worry. Special correspondent Lisa Stark of Education Week reports from Nebraska on how food… Continue watching
Apr 24 Senate confirms Sonny Perdue as agriculture secretary By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press The son of a farmer from Bonaire, Georgia, he will be the first Southerner in the post in more than two decades. Continue reading
Mar 16 Trump’s budget cuts drastically into science and health programs By Nsikan Akpan The White House’s budget proposal for 2018, released Thursday, seeks cuts in science and health agencies across the board. Yet, some budgetary wallets will be lightened more than others. Continue reading
Sep 02 Meet the mite, the tiny bugs in your mattress, your tea and on your face By Julia Griffin Millions of minuscule mites share our wide world. Mites are arachnids, much like spiders and scorpions, and the microscopic creatures are among the oldest and most plentiful invertebrates on the planet. Continue reading
May 23 What is mechanical tenderizing, and why is it hazardous to your steak? By Lydia Zuraw, Kaiser Health News A new label on some of the steaks in your grocery store highlights a production process you may have never heard of: mechanical tenderizing. Continue reading
Feb 16 USDA rules would increase food stamp access to healthy foods By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press The Agriculture Department unveiled new rules on Tuesday that would force retailers who accept food stamps to stock a wider variety of healthy foods or face the loss of business as consumers shop elsewhere. Continue reading
Sep 04 From eggs to trees, USDA’s promotional programs have courted controversy By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press WASHINGTON — The slogans are familiar: "The Incredible Edible Egg," ''Pork: The Other White Meat," and "Got Milk?" They've all been part of promotional campaigns overseen by the Agriculture Department and paid for by the industries that vote to organize… Continue reading
May 14 USDA develops first government label for GMO-free products By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press WASHINGTON — The Agriculture Department has developed the first government certification and labeling for foods that are free of genetically modified ingredients. Continue reading
May 13 USDA to require safety labels on mechanically tenderized beef By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press The government will soon require labels on packages of beef tenderized by machines so shoppers know to cook it thoroughly. Continue reading