Topic: USDA

Tennessee’s food assistance program touted as one of the best in the nation

October 3, 2009 |

State earns performance bonus for getting benefits to needy citizens

Nashville – The Tennessee Department of Human Services this week was recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for having one of the nation’s top Food Stamp programs. Food Stamps, now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (or SNAP), help low-income families put food on the table each month. Tennessee was cited as giving its eligible citizens the best access to the program and earned the top performance award of $3.3 million.

“This award shows that Tennessee is a leader in delivering the benefits that our citizens need in a timely and efficient manner,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “It is imperative that Tennesseans have easy access to programs that can provide assistance, especially during these tough economic times. I’m proud that the Department of Human Services is being recognized for delivering this vital food assistance program to our citizens.” «Read the rest of this article»

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Tennessee WIC program brings more to the table

September 22, 2009 |

Supplemental Food Packages Change October 1, 2009

Nashville – Participants enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, known as WIC, are preparing for an exciting change. The food packages are changing effective October 1, 2009 to better meet the nutritional needs of WIC families. New foods will include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, soy products and baby foods.

“These changes are based on the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and will reduce the amount of saturated fats and increase healthy fiber in the diets of program participants,” said Cathy Taylor, DrPH, MSN, RN. “The new package also offers more food choices to WIC families.”

The new Tennessee WIC food packages for women and children will include a cash value voucher for fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables; whole grain cereals, breads, brown rice, bulgur or soft corn or whole wheat tortillas; and will only provide whole milk for children aged 12 through 23 months. The choices of fish for mothers who exclusively breastfeed have also expanded to include salmon and sardines along with light tuna. «Read the rest of this article»

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2009 Tennessee Small Farm Expo & Small Farmer Recognition Program

July 16, 2009 |

Tennessee State University will host its Sixth Annual Small Farm Expo on Friday, July 31st at the TSU Agricultural Research and Education Center in Ashland City. Registration for the event which is sponsored by the School of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences will begin at 8:15 a.m. Tours will begin promptly at 8:45 a.m. and last until 11:45 a.m.

Our program will culminate with the Tennessee Small Farmer Recognition Program Luncheon which begins at 12:00 p.m. and concludes at 1:00 p.m. With the theme, “Small Farmers: The Heart of Tennessee,” this year’s expo will include general tours of the TSU Agricultural Research and Education Center as well as a host of experts and panels designed to help small farmers reduce spending and improve the marketing of their products. Speakers will include past winners of the Tennessee Small Farmers of the Year Awards. Hank and Cindy Delvin will talk about marketing organic vegetables and having a successful Community Supported Agriculture (CSA); Gayle and Jim Tanner will speak about their successes with goats and marketing goat cheese and other products locally; and Trace and Ty Owen of Owen Farms in Cheatham County will share their experiences in operating an Agricultural Tourism enterprise. «Read the rest of this article»

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