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Vilsack addresses food insecurity and USDA next steps

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says to address the issue of hunger, USDA must work in concert with the food and agriculture industries to begin the process of transforming the food system.

“The fact is we spend $160 billion as a federal government through Medicaid and Medicare on diabetes, which is significantly greater than the entire budget of the Department of Agriculture. And much of that diabetes issue is directly connected to food insecurity and nutrition insecurity.”

Vilsack said during a webinar Wednesday hosted by the National Press Foundation his department will focus on expanding and improving federal nutrition programs, and making healthy and nutritious foods more available.

“For our children, for our families that are financially stressed, and for socially disadvantaged individuals.”

Vilsack says USDA also has to do a better job of educating consumers across the board about healthy food choices.