USDA People's Garden Works to Combat Food Insecurity in Communities

Ag Outreach is dedicated to providing outreach and education services to the rural and urban communities of the United States that are affected by food insecurity. Collaborating with local stakeholders to design and implement outreach and education programming tailored to each community's unique needs and challenges, the organization spreads awareness of the issues related to food insecurity and helps to address them through education and community-building initiatives. The goal is to ensure that all people have access to the resources they need to make informed and healthy food choices.

According to the latest data from the USDA, in 2020, 10.5% of U.S. households were food insecure, meaning they had difficulty providing enough food for all members of their household. This percentage increased to 22.8% for households with children under 18. The COVID-19 pandemic also exacerbated food insecurity, particularly for marginalized communities.

The term food deserts refer to areas, usually low-income neighborhoods or rural regions, where access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food is limited or nonexistent. This scarcity can have negative impacts on the health and wellbeing of residents, leading to higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and other diet-related illnesses. While efforts are being made to address this issue, such as through community gardens and farmers' markets, more work needs to be done to ensure that all individuals have access to nutritious food options.

The USDA has implemented several programs to combat food insecurity, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the National School Lunch Program. Additionally, they have launched initiatives like the Farmers to Families Food Box Program, which distributes surplus food to families in need, and the Summer Food Service Program, which provides free meals to children during the summer months. These efforts aim to provide access to nutritious food for those who are struggling with hunger.

Late last year, the USDA started a community garden initiative to promote healthy eating and provide fresh produce to those in need. Called the People's Garden, the program encourages individuals and groups to create gardens in their communities and offers resources and support to help them get started. This initiative also aims to increase access to nutritious food, improve community relationships, and promote sustainable agriculture. Overall, the USDA hopes to empower individuals to take control of their own food production and lead healthier lives.

The People's Garden promotes the growth of fresh, healthy food and support resilient, local food systems by teaching people how to garden using conservation practices; nurture habitat for pollinators and wildlife and create greenspace for neighbors.