USDA

The state allocated $38 million to the Farmers Feeding Florida program. The new statewide initiative helps food banks distribute surplus and discounted farm products to families in need.

USDA officials lifted a forced suspension at the company's Jarratt, Virginia, site. However, documents show sanitation problems similar to those that led to listeria contamination persist at three other plants.

Beginning Jan. 1, SNAP recipients in Florida will no longer be able to use the benefit on soda, energy drinks, candy or prepared desserts like packaged cakes and cookies.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture canceled two food programs earlier this year that would have provided $1 billion in funding. The budget cuts are part of the federal initiative to reduce government spending.

U.S. food inspectors documented unsanitary conditions at three Boar's Head deli meat plants in addition to the Virginia factory that was shut down last year, according to recently released records

A panel that counsels the U.S. government on the next edition of dietary guidelines is recommending that you trade burgers and steaks for beans, peas and lentils.

The ready-to-eat meals, processed at an Oklahoma plant operated by BrucePac, went out to more than 200 schools, including nine in Florida.

Many schools are also adding more culturally relevant food options for the first time ever.

The USDA says Boar's Head is recalling all its liverwurst and additional products that were produced on the same line and on the same day. The recall includes about 207,528 pounds of meat.

Breakfast and lunch again will be served at no cost to students in all schools in Lee, Hendry, Glades, and DeSoto county schools as well as in 43 of Sarasota County's 53 schools.

Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores receives a USDA grant to help increase access to affordable biofuels in Florida.

The newest food benefits program under the U.S. Department of Agriculture will officially launch in the summer of 2024. The deadline for states to sign up was Jan. 1.