USDA Increases Assistance To Military

In an effort to serve military families, USDA is partnering with the White House to address the concerns and challenges of military families. President Obama announced this government-wide initiative and released the report, “Strengthening the Military Family: An Interagency Review.” The report highlights the enduring partnership between USDA and the Department of Defense on family and youth programs.

Four priority areas to address the concerns and challenges of military families and commitments from various government agencies are identified in the report:

• Enhance the well-being and psychological health of military family members.
• Ensure consistent excellence in military children’s education and their development.
• Develop effective employment and educational opportunities for military spouses.
• Increase childcare availability and quality for the Armed Forces.

History Of Support

USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has made several commitments to serving the needs of military families and youth.

4-H National Headquarters will enhance their partnership with active, Guard and Reserve military service branches to support 4-H clubs and activities for military children and youth. In addition, NIFA will collaborate with the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services and Education to help increase the availability of child care spaces available through the country.

These commitments bring together the resources of the University and Extension systems to all military families.

USDA contributed to this article.