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USDA Expands Online Shopping for WIC Program, Enhancing Access for Mothers and Infants

USDA Expands Online Shopping for WIC Program, Enhancing Access for Mothers and Infants

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a final rule to strengthen and expand online shopping options for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). This change, set to take effect on December 7, 2026, aims to provide greater access to healthy foods for rural mothers and children across the country. Save the Children, an advocacy organization, has applauded this initiative, noting that a pilot online shopping program demonstrated a strong preference for this method among participants. Eyang Garrison, Save the Children’s Managing Director of Domestic Policy, stated that this expansion will reduce barriers for rural and Tribal families and is expected to increase nationwide participation in the WIC program, which currently serves nearly 7 million families across the U.S.

USDA Seeks Applicants for National Organic Standards Board to Shape Future Organic Regulations

USDA Seeks Applicants for National Organic Standards Board to Shape Future Organic Regulations

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently accepting applications and nominations for three open seats on the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). These positions are for a five-year term beginning in January 2027 and concluding in January 2032. The NOSB plays a crucial role in advising the Secretary of Agriculture on the implementation of the Organic Foods Production Act and in developing standards for substances used in organic production. The USDA is looking to fill specific roles, including an organic farmer, a public or consumer interest representative, and a scientist with expertise in toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry. Additionally, the USDA is building a candidate pool for unexpected vacancies. Board service requires a significant commitment, involving monthly subcommittee calls, review of materials and public comments, drafting discussion papers and proposals, and attending two in-person meetings annually, with travel expenses covered by the USDA. Applications are due by Decembe...

Genetic Sequencing Links Washington Dairy Bird Flu to Idaho, H5N1 B3.13 Genotype Confirmed

Genetic Sequencing Links Washington Dairy Bird Flu to Idaho, H5N1 B3.13 Genotype Confirmed

Genetic sequencing has confirmed that the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) detected in two Washington dairy herds is consistent with transmission from Idaho, likely through cattle movement. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced that the virus is H5N1 genotype B3.13. The first two detections in Washington dairy herds were reported on October 8, with the National Veterinary Services Laboratories completing whole genome sequencing on the same day. This B3.13 genotype has been implicated in most HPAI cases in U.S. dairy herds, stemming from the original spillover event in the Texas Panhandle in late 2023. The Washington herds exhibited clinical signs consistent with H5N1 infection, and surveillance is ongoing in the affected areas and throughout the state.

USDA Commits Over $382 Million to Strengthen U.S. Beef Industry Amid Low Cattle Levels

USDA Commits Over $382 Million to Strengthen U.S. Beef Industry Amid Low Cattle Levels

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), under the leadership of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, has announced a commitment of over $382 million to programs designed to bolster the nation’s struggling beef industry. This significant investment addresses two primary challenges faced by cattle producers: limited meat processing options and the costs associated with maintaining productive grazing land. Vice President JD Vance also shared in these announcements. With the U.S. cattle herd at historically low levels, this funding is part of a broader federal initiative to support ranchers, enhance grazing conditions, and increase meat processing capacity. Specifically, $57.4 million will fund 147 independent meat processing grants through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program, aiming to increase processing capacity and provide more options for producers. The remaining $325 million will support conservation projects via the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program, focusing on improvem...

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to Visit Bismarck for Discussions on Regenerative Agriculture with North Dakota Tri...

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to Visit Bismarck for Discussions on Regenerative Agriculture with North Dakota Tri...

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is scheduled to travel to Bismarck, North Dakota, today. During his visit, Secretary Kennedy will participate in both a press conference and a roundtable discussion. The announcement was made by U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer. According to Senator Cramer's office, a key focus of Secretary Kennedy's visit will be to meet with various North Dakota tribes. The discussions with these tribal communities are expected to center on the topic of regenerative agriculture. This visit highlights an engagement between a high-ranking federal official and local tribal groups on matters of agricultural practices and community well-being. The specific details of the press conference and roundtable agenda, beyond the general topic, were not immediately provided, but the emphasis on regenerative agriculture suggests a focus on sustainable practices and their potential benefits for tribal lands and communities.

Mamdani and Hochul promise a new day for Puerto Rico after Democrats sweep midterms

Mamdani and Hochul promise a new day for Puerto Rico after Democrats sweep midterms

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul have pledged more support for Puerto Rico as it remains mired in multiple crises

Justice in Aging Advocates for Enhanced California SSI/SSP Benefits and COLA

Justice in Aging Advocates for Enhanced California SSI/SSP Benefits and COLA

Justice in Aging is advocating for significant reforms in California's State Supplementary Payment (SSP) program for 2027. The organization proposes establishing an ongoing cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for the SSP and increasing combined SSI/SSP grants to at least the federal poverty level. This initiative aims to address the financial hardship faced by over one million seniors and people with disabilities, many of whom were pushed into poverty by cuts during the Great Recession. Despite recent grant increases, individual SSI/SSP grants have not kept pace with inflation and remain below pre-recession levels. Currently, California's SSI beneficiaries, over half of whom are 65 or older, rely on annual state legislative decisions for grant increases to maintain their standard of living due to the absence of an automatic COLA for the SSP.

H5N1 Bird Flu Spreads to New U.S. Dairy Herds, Raising Concerns for Livestock Movement and Biosecurity

H5N1 Bird Flu Spreads to New U.S. Dairy Herds, Raising Concerns for Livestock Movement and Biosecurity

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) continues to spread among U.S. dairy cattle, with new detections reported in Washington and Indiana. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), H5N1 has now affected dairy cattle in 21 states since its initial identification in March 2024. The recent cases include two Washington dairy herds in October and an Indiana dairy herd on November 2, which was identified through routine screening via the National Milk Testing Strategy. Federal analyses indicate that much of the spread among dairy herds is linked to livestock movements, with genetic evidence suggesting transmission from Idaho to Washington. Veterinarians and producers are urged to enhance biosecurity protocols, including careful management of incoming cattle, isolation of sick animals, and sanitation of shared equipment, to curb further transmission.

US District Court Partially Vacates CMS Rule on Medicaid Work Requirements, Broadening Medical Frailty Exemption

US District Court Partially Vacates CMS Rule on Medicaid Work Requirements, Broadening Medical Frailty Exemption

On October 29, 2026, the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts issued a ruling that partially vacated a portion of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) interim final rule regarding Medicaid work requirements. The court determined that CMS exceeded its authority by narrowing the interpretation of the medical-frailty exemption established by Congress. Specifically, the court found that Congress's five subcategories for medical frailty (including individuals who are blind, have substance use disorders, or disabling mental disorders) set a definitional floor, and CMS could not impose an additional functional-impairment requirement for individuals within these categories. For instance, CMS's rule would have required a blind individual to also prove a significant impairment to their ability to meet work requirements, which the court deemed beyond the agency's power. The court vacated the conflicting regulatory language and permanently enjoined its enforcement, though it upheld the rul...

USDA Invests $3.3 Million to Expand Meat Processing Capacity in Montana and Wyoming

USDA Invests $3.3 Million to Expand Meat Processing Capacity in Montana and Wyoming

USDA Invests $3.3 Million to Expand Meat Processing Capacity in Montana and Wyoming

UMES Receives $1M USDA Grant for David A. Scott Scholarship Program

UMES Receives $1M USDA Grant for David A. Scott Scholarship Program

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) has been awarded a five-year, $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture. This funding will support the David A. Scott Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance to new students pursuing bachelor's degrees in food and agricultural sciences and related fields at UMES. The scholarship, formerly known as the UMES Land-Grant Scholarship, was renamed in honor of the late U.S. House of Representatives member David A. Scott, who represented Georgia’s 13th district and chaired the House Agriculture Committee from January 2021 to 2023. The program offers up to $15,000 per year for in-state students and $25,000 per year for out-of-state students, based on financial need, and is renewable annually based on academic performance and participation.

O'ahu Voters Approve New Food Security Fund, Allocating Property Tax Revenue for Local Food Initiatives

O'ahu Voters Approve New Food Security Fund, Allocating Property Tax Revenue for Local Food Initiatives

O'ahu voters have approved a charter amendment establishing a new Food Security Fund for the City and County of Honolulu. This fund will receive 0.5% of annual real property tax revenues. The primary purpose of the fund is to support programs and grants that provide locally grown and produced food to O'ahu residents. Additionally, it will allocate money for non-local products specifically during declared emergencies. This amendment does not introduce a new tax but rather integrates the Food Security Fund into the existing framework of special funds, which includes the Clean Water and Natural Lands Fund, the Affordable Housing Fund, the Climate Resiliency Fund, the Honolulu Zoo Fund, and the Grants in Aid Fund. Initial election results indicated strong public support, with nearly 75% of votes cast in favor of the measure. The passage of charter amendment questions requires more 'yes' votes than 'no' votes, excluding blank and over votes.