Latest news with #UnitedStatesDepartmentofAgriculture
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Health
- Miami Herald
We can't make America healthier while letting our children go hungry
As the federal government reimagines public health through the Make America Healthy Again or MAHA initiative, a troubling contradiction is emerging: While the rhetoric supports better nutrition, the reality includes deep budget cuts that threaten the very programs making school meals possible. Led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., MAHA includes several promising proposals aimed at improving children's health. Stronger dietary guidelines, increased scratch cooking and expanded support for farm-to-school programs are welcome shifts that could significantly benefit students across the country. But these goals are being undermined before they even take root. Earlier this year, the first wave of cuts came from the newly-created Department of Government Efficiency, which slashed federal support for school meals. In March, the United States Department of Agriculture canceled both the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, eliminating more than $1 billion in funding that brought fresh, local food to schools and food banks. These losses hit rural districts and local farmers especially hard, dismantling the very infrastructure MAHA aims to strengthen. Now, a second and more devastating blow looms. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4, proposes sweeping changes to SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid — programs that directly determine school meal access for millions of children. More than 30 milllion students qualify for free school meals because their families participate in SNAP or Medicaid. If those benefits are lost or restricted, families would be forced to navigate complex applications and income verification processes just to access school meals. We know what happens next: Children fall through the cracks. It also puts schools at risk of losing access to the Community Eligibility Provision, which allows them to serve free meals to all students without collecting individual applications. When fewer students are enrolled in SNAP or Medicaid, fewer schools qualify — meaning even more children could lose access to school meals. And when children go hungry, they can't focus, learn or thrive. Research shows that students with consistent access to nutritious school meals perform better academically, have fewer behavioral issues and show improved mental health. Hunger holds kids back. The numbers are sobering. More than 40 million Americans rely on SNAP. The One Big, Beautiful Bill Act could cost the states almost $300 billion over the next decade just to preserve current benefits. New rules will push thousands of families, particularly in rural communities, off the rolls entirely. The impact will ripple through local economies: Every $1 in SNAP spending generates up to $1.80 in economic activity. When families lose benefits, communities lose stability. The act's Medicaid proposals are equally harmful. By capping federal support and imposing new work requirements, the plan threatens coverage for working parents, caregivers and even students. Rural hospitals and community clinics — already stretched thin — will be pushed closer to the brink. How can we claim to support healthy food in schools while dismantling the systems that deliver that food and the support families need to access it? We can't promote farm-to-school programs while cutting USDA staff and procurement funding. We can't expand scratch cooking while stripping away the programs that ensure kids have full stomachs. Here in North Carolina, our School Meals for All coalition is working to hold the line. Gov. Josh Stein and key legislators have stepped up to champion school breakfast funding and farm-to-school investments. But even the strongest state-level efforts need a solid federal foundation. You can't make America healthy by making it hungrier. Congress must match the presidential administration's health rhetoric with meaningful investments. When we put children first, North Carolina and our country get stronger. Abby Emanuelson is the executive director of North Carolina Alliance for Health in Cary.
UPI
24-07-2025
- Business
- UPI
USDA to reorganize, move staff out of D.C. to areas closer to farmers
1 of 2 | Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins attends a roundtable to discuss American agriculture as part of the so-called "Make America Healthy Again" campaign at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., this past week. The USDA announced on Thursday that it will reorganize and move staff out of Washington, D.C., and into one of five hubs throughout the country. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo July 24 (UPI) -- The United States Department of Agriculture will reorganize, refocusing its core operations to support American farming, ranching and forestry, moving staff out of Washington and closer to farm land, said Brooke L. Rollins, U.S. secretary of Agriculture. A press release from Rollins said, "Over the last four years, USDA's workforce grew by 8%, and employees' salaries increased by 14.5% -- including hiring thousands of employees with no sustainable way to pay them. This all occurred without any tangible increase in service to USDA's core constituencies across the agricultural sector." The statement goes on to say that the "USDA's footprint in the National Capital Region is underutilized and redundant, plagued by rampant overspending and decades of mismanagement and costly deferred maintenance." The NCR includes Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas in Virginia and Maryland. "American agriculture feeds, clothes, and fuels this nation and the world, and it is long past time the Department better serve the great and patriotic farmers, ranchers, and producers we are mandated to support," Rollins said in a statement. "We will do so through a process that preserves USDA's critical health and public safety services the American public relies on. We will do right by the great American people who we serve and with respect to the thousands of hardworking USDA employees who so nobly serve their country." The reorganization consists of four pillars: Ensure the size of USDA's workforce aligns with available financial resources and agricultural priorities Bring USDA closer to its customers Eliminate management layers and bureaucracy Consolidate redundant support functions The USDA will move staff out of the District of Columbia to five hub locations in the country, which will, according to the department, save money in salaries, the press release said. There are about 4,600 employees in the NCR region, which has a high cost of living. The federal salary locality rate is 34%, whereas the other hubs are lower. USDA's five hub locations and federal locality rates: Raleigh, N.C. (22.24%) Kansas City, Mo. (18.97%) Indianapolis, Ind. (18.15%) Fort Collins, Colo. (30.52%) Salt Lake City, Utah (17.06%) Agriculture Department officials say that, in recent years, more than 15,000 USDA employees have taken voluntary deferred resignation.
Daily Mirror
23-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners urged to crush up aspirin and feed to plants showing these key signs
Plants to last longer by using the aspirin gardening hack, and it works (Image: Emma Trimble / SWNS) Aspirins might be the unexpected gardening hack for your patios this summer. Gardening experts have revealed the many benefits of crushing these tablets, showing that their usefulness goes beyond headaches, body aches or fever. They contain acetylsalicylic acid, an active ingredient obtained from salicylic acid. Also found in willow bark and other trees. Surprisingly, this key ingredient is quite beneficial for many plants. As explained by Gardening Know How, it can boost the plant's growth, as well as speed up germination and even act as a barrier to any pests and diseases that may come in between. READ MORE: Households with bedding plants urged to act now to stop them dying Aspirin can be a lifesaver for headaches, but it can also benefit a plant's health (Image: Getty Images) It explained: "This tiny amount helps plants cope when they are under insect attack, dry, underfed, or maybe even experiencing a disease issue. The component helps boost the plant's immune system, just like it does for us." The United States Department of Agriculture also revealed that salicylic acid produces an immune response in plants of the nightshade family. It has also been proven to help with plant growth. Crushing aspirin and feeding it to plants can also extend their life span. The site added: 'The cut flowers will die eventually, but usually, you can add some time by the use of aspirin on plants.' When aspirin is diluted in water and sprayed on plants, it substitutes for the salicylic acid that plants naturally produce in response to stress. It then prepares the plant to defend itself from any threats, such as insects and diseases. In shorter words, it's their awakening call. Trials at the University of Rhode Island proved this by treating plants with this solution every three weeks during their growing season. The results showed better and faster growth, as well as more produce coming from those who didn't receive any treatment. Nonetheless, moderation is key when using these tablets, as they can lead to negative effects. Using too much can damage the plants even more, which is why it's best to do this in the early morning to allow plenty of time to soak up the nutrients. READ MORE: Gardeners told to use 'unusual' item to stop dust build-up on peace lilies It's also important to note that not all plants will react positively. As per the website, the appropriate dosage is three aspirin tablets (with 250-500 g), and then mixed with four gallons of water. Aspirin is also easily found in all supermarkets and pharmacies without a prescription. Even better, it's budget-friendly, costing less than a pound for a packet. Whether you're growing vegetables or want to keep a vibrant garden, this aspirin hack will easily become your go-to method. Still, don't forget to use it in moderation and follow the expert's advice.
Time Magazine
22-07-2025
- Business
- Time Magazine
Coca-Cola to Launch Trump-Approved Version of Drink in U.S.
Coca-Cola has announced that it will be introducing a cane sugar version of its leading soda product to the U.S. market this fall, confirming President Donald Trump's pre-emptive announcement made days earlier. The new offering of Coca-Cola will be available in the U.S. alongside the iconic version, which uses high fructose corn syrup as a sweetener and will remain unchanged. (Diet and Coke Zero products use aspartame and other artificial sweeteners.) The soda company said that the upcoming availability of the cane sugar product is part of its 'ongoing innovation agenda.' 'This addition is designed to complement the company's strong core portfolio and offer more choices across occasions and preferences,' Coca-Cola said on Tuesday in its second quarterly update of the year. The company's chairman and CEO James Quincey elaborated further on a conference call with investors, during which he referenced Trump's recent comments and praised his interest in the matter. 'We appreciate the President's enthusiasm for our Coca-Cola brand,' he said. 'We are definitely looking to use the whole tool kit of available sweetening options.' Read More: Here's What the New Coke Tasted Like in the 1980s Trump, who reportedly has a button at his desk in the Oval Office to request Diet Coke, had pre-emptively announced the ingredient change on July 16. 'I have been speaking to Coca-Cola about using REAL cane sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so. This will be a very good move by them. You'll see. It's just better,' he said on Truth Social. Coca-Cola produced in Mexico contains cane sugar. It's sold in the U.S. and is widely referred to as 'Mexican Coke' and is known for its long-neck glass bottle presentation. Cane sugar is also used in Coca-Cola produced in other countries across the rest of the world. The U.S. began importing the Mexican version of the beverage in 2005, and it is preferred by some in the U.S. over the domestic product. Corn syrup has been used in the production of Coca-Cola in the U.S. since 1984, when the soda company announced a switch from traditional sugar cane and sugar beet. Analysts suggested that the change was due to the lower costs of the corn alternative, and the decline of the sugar market as artificial sweeteners become increasingly popular. Whilst corn syrup has traditionally been produced more than other sweeteners in the United States, cane and beet sugar has become more readily available for U.S. consumers over the last decade. The United States Department of Agriculture has not published exact recent figures on corn syrup production, but it said in 2016 that domestic production had fallen almost 20% in the previous decade. There continues to be a debate over the use of cane sugar vs. corn syrup in Coca-Cola and whether one is healthier than the other. Read More: RFK Jr. Says Ultra-Processed Foods Are 'Poison'—But That He Won't Ban Them Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in April said that 'sugar is poison.' Amid his campaign to 'Make America Healthy Again,' Kennedy has referred to high-fructose corn syrup as "a formula for making you obese and diabetic." Over the weekend, Kennedy celebrated the Steak 'n Shake restaurant chain after it announced it would start offering Coca-Cola with real cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup. 'MAHA is winning,' Kennedy said of the news. However, some nutritionists are not convinced the switch will make too much difference, if any at all. "For all practical purposes, they're the same. I find the switch to be nutritionally hilarious," nutritionist and professor of food studies at New York University Marion Nestle told Associated Press last week. "They taste the same. They have the same number of calories. They do exactly the same things in the body. Everybody would be healthier eating less of both of them."
Hans India
21-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Gujarat mango exports surpass 3,000 MT in five years, Kesar variety in high demand abroad
Ahmedabad: Gujarat's mango exports have steadily grown over the past five years, with the state exporting 856 metric tonnes in 2024–25, taking the total to more than 3,000 metric tonnes since 2019, government officials said on Monday. The mangoes have been shipped to several international markets, including the US and South Africa, with the Kesar variety drawing particular demand due to its distinct flavour and aroma, according to official information by the Gujarat government. According to state Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel, mango cultivation now covers around 1.77 lakh hectares in Gujarat, accounting for 37 per cent of the state's total fruit cultivation area. Major mango-producing districts include Valsad, Navsari, Gir Somnath, Kutch and Surat, with Valsad alone reporting more than 38,000 hectares under mango farming in 2024–25. The state's export process is supported by the Gujarat Agro Radiation Processing Facility in Bavla, near Ahmedabad. The unit handled 224 metric tonnes of irradiated Kesar mangoes this year and has processed a total of 805 metric tonnes over five years. Certified by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the Bavla facility is Gujarat's first and India's fourth such unit. Before it became operational, farmers had to send their produce to Mumbai for irradiation, increasing transport costs and spoilage. The facility now allows mangoes to be processed, packed, and exported directly from Ahmedabad. It is part of a broader infrastructure push that includes an integrated pack house and a perishable air cargo terminal, all managed by the Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation. This setup has improved shelf life, reduced wastage, and cut costs for mango growers, contributing to a more efficient export pipeline. Mango farming is a significant horticultural activity in Gujarat, particularly in districts like Valsad, Navsari, Junagadh, Gir Somnath, and Bhavnagar. The state is known for its premium varieties, especially the Kesar mango from the Gir region, which has a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. As of 2024, Gujarat cultivates mangoes on over 1.3 lakh hectares of land, producing more than 10 lakh metric tonnes annually. Around 75,000 to 80,000 farmers are engaged in mango cultivation across the state. The state government and agricultural universities offer support through schemes, training, and export facilitation.
