May 09, 2022

State Summer Waivers Now Available

Senior Child Nutrition Policy Analyst

The nationwide waiver authority that was made available to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) during the pandemic expires June 30 without Congressional action. To provide some flexibility and to help reduce unnecessary administrative work after the nationwide waivers have expired, the USDA has created a waiver checklist that allows state child nutrition agencies to opt into specific state waivers. That way, each state isn’t required to submit its own waiver request for each type of waiver.

May 05, 2022

A Mother’s Day Spotlight: Eight Ways to Maximize WIC and Reduce Barriers

On May 8, families across the United States will celebrate Mother’s Day. To celebrate, FRAC is shining a spotlight on The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to highlight the impact this program has in reducing food insecurity and nutrition-related health problems in pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood. WIC directly supports individuals who are low income and pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding, or have infants and children up to five years old, by providing nutritious foods, nutrition education, and improved access to health care. Here are eight ways that can maximize the impact of WIC and increase participation:

May 02, 2022

Celebrating Diversity: What Racial, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) Means to FRAC Staff

Food Research & Action Center

As the organization celebrates its 50th anniversary and looks forward to stepping boldly into the future, Racial, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) is central to FRAC’s mission, which looks at building a country in which all people have the nutritious food they need to lead healthy and productive lives, through equitable and effective policies.

For Celebrate Diversity Month in April, FRAC staff shared “What REDI means to me.”  Below are ten testimonials.

Apr 26, 2022

A Lifeline during COVID-19: The Impact of SNAP Boosts for Older Adults

Program Manager, Root Causes and Specific Populations

Senior Hunger Awareness Month celebrated in April and Older Americans Month in May, are key times to reflect on the transformational role increased SNAP benefits have played in the lives of older adult participants during the COVID-19 pandemic.The tangible benefits of pandemic SNAP benefit boosts for older adult participants are detailed in a recent FRAC study commissioned by the AARP Foundation.

Apr 25, 2022

Fueling Minds and Bodies: How Federal Nutrition Programs Keep Every Kid Healthy

From April 25–29, FRAC is celebrating Every Kid Healthy Week—spearheaded by Action for Healthy Kids—to spread awareness about children’s health and well-being.

Food security is one of the most important factors in determining the health of a child. It is more than just filling their bellies. Access to food supports healthy brain function, fuels children’s growing bodies and minds, and aids in emotional and social development.