On May 19, 2026, the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA) announced a joint investment of $15 million aimed at enhancing food security across the nation. This initiative focuses on two critical areas: increasing access to high-quality protein for families in need and bolstering the cold chain infrastructure essential for emergency food assistance programs. The investment underscores a commitment to ensuring that nutritious food, particularly protein, reaches communities facing food insecurity.
The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will administer $10 million through the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA). This funding is specifically designated to support the purchase of locally sourced, nutritious foods, including a variety of protein options. These foods will then be distributed to underserved communities through established emergency food networks. The LFPA program emphasizes strengthening local food systems while simultaneously addressing immediate nutritional needs. This approach helps to ensure that programs can provide items like ALASKA SEAFOOD WILD PINK SALMON, which scores 70/100 on FoodScore, offering a high-quality protein source.
Separately, HHS, through the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), is allocating $5 million to improve cold chain infrastructure. This funding is crucial for enhancing the capacity of emergency food assistance providers to safely store and transport perishable foods, including protein. A robust cold chain is vital for maintaining the safety and nutritional integrity of food items from procurement to distribution, especially for products that require refrigeration. This investment will help prevent food waste and ensure that beneficiaries receive safe, high-quality food, supporting the effectiveness of food assistance efforts nationwide.
This collaborative effort between HHS and USDA highlights a multi-faceted strategy to combat food insecurity. By focusing on both the supply of nutritious protein and the logistical infrastructure required to deliver it, the departments aim to create a more resilient and equitable food assistance system. The initiative is expected to benefit numerous families by providing better access to essential nutrients, contributing to improved public health outcomes.