Public News Service

Democrats and Republicans sent a letter to the House Agriculture chair urging him not to increase crop subsidies by diverting conservation funding. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, April 26, 2024

New Farm Bill could provide climate-smart investments to VA farmers

The long-delayed Farm Bill could benefit Virginia farmers by renewing funding for climate-smart investments, but it's been held up for months in …

More than 876,000 Virginians use SNAP/EBT benefits, costing the state almost $150 million per month. (Adobe Stock)

VA group helps SNAP/EBT users afford fresh foods

During National Nutrition Month, groups like Virginia Fresh Match are providing people with healthy fresh food options. Since 2009, the coalition of …

Around 41% of low-income parents and 45% of middle-income parents noticed a negative attitude in their child's behavioral and physical health when they don't have enough to eat. (Adobe Stock)

Surveys: Families' food insecurity grows ahead of Thanksgiving

New surveys find food insecurity has risen in Virginia and across the U.S. No Kid Hungry's survey finds more than half of families in Virginia said …

Virginia ranked 48th in the 2023 State of Mental Health report undertaken by Mental Health America. This indicates higher rates of mental illness among the state's youth and little access to care. (Adobe Stock)

Report: VA, US Children Need Better Health Supports

A new annual report found children in Virginia and across the U.S. need better health support. The Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count Data Book …

According to the World Health Organization's Sodium Scorecard, a quarter of the world's population lives in countries with mandatory policies in place to reduce sodium intake. (Adobe Stock)

New Reports Outline Need for Healthier Eating Habits

Two recent reports take aim at improving health across the United States and the world. A report from the World Health Organization found that the …

According to the Food Research and Action Center, with SNAP emergency allotments ending, some people will see their SNAP benefits drop from $281 a month to $23. (Adobe Stock)

Ending Emergency SNAP Benefits Impacts VA Families

Starting this week, emergency allotments for SNAP benefits will end as pandemic programs conclude. All SNAP households received an extra $95 a …

According to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, net farm income is expected to increase by $7.3 billion. This comes when farmers are faced with a bevy of changes in their business.

Farmers Adapting to Industry Changes

Farmers are adapting to numerous shifts in their industry, ranging from price hikes to the effects of climate change. A big change for agribusiness …

It's estimated that during World War II, some 20 million Americans planted

Can Municipal Canneries Make a Comeback?

It's that time of year when kitchens are bubbling over as home gardeners preserve their bounty. But there was a time when homegrown produce could be …

The Petersburg Oasis CommUNITY Farm aims to offer fresh fruits and vegetables to the community via an on-site produce stand. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia Fundraiser Builds Support for New Petersburg Farm

A fundraising effort is underway for a new community farm in Petersburg. The Central Virginia Agrarian Commons aims to raise about $137,000 to …

According to the Center for American Progress, low-income women and women of color are more likely to rely on infant formula. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia's Rural Mothers Face Long-Standing Access Issues for Infant Formula

Over the past several months, parents across Virginia and the country have struggled to find baby formula, particularly in rural communities…

The Federation of Virginia Food Banks' seven regional food banks distributed approximately 165 million pounds of food in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia Food Banks Seek Support Amid High Inflation, Supply-Chain Issues

Virginia's food banks are facing a perfect storm of issues. High inflation for everyday goods is driving up food costs for lower-income families…

About 10% of students at Virginia's Community Colleges responded to a survey on food insecurity and homelessness in 2021. The data is informing today's decisions to increase assistance. (Adobe Stock/Elena Shi)

Food Insecurity, Mental Health are Challenges for VA College Students

Community college students in Virginia still face food insecurity a year after survey data shows the COVID pandemic created greater challenges due to …

Farming is Virginia's largest private industry, according to the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. (Adobe Stock)

New Land Trust Model Will Support BIPOC-led Farming in Central VA

RICHMOND, Va. -- In central Virginia, permanent access to land is one of the biggest barriers to farming. A new land-trust model aims to secure both …

Food insecurity in Virginia rose to 22.5% during the first few months of the pandemic, according to the Northwestern Institute for Policy Research. (Adobe Stock)

New Focus on Collecting Heart-Healthy Food Pantry Items

RICHMOND, Va. - Demand at Virginia food banks has skyrocketed during the pandemic, and a new effort aims to get these community lifelines fully …

Some tenants' advocates would like Virginia's new budget proposal for American Rescue Plan funding to include money for low-income renters to hire lawyers for eviction cases. (Adobe stock)<br /><br />

Virginia Lawmakers Urged to Direct COVID Funds to Working Families

RICHMOND, Va. - Virginia's General Assembly Special Session begins today to budget more than $4 billion in federal COVID relief funds, and advocates …

The expanded Child Tax Credit gives families $250 to $300 every month per child and can be used for anything the family needs, such as groceries, rent or utilities. (Adobe stock)

Child Tax Credit Expansion Seen as Major Boost for Virginia Families

LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. -- Beginning last week, thousands of Virginia families with children saw more money in their bank accounts as the federal …

About 16% of Latino families with children in Virginia were uninsured in March 2021, compared with 8% of all households in the state, according to the Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Virginia Must Improve Child Health Coverage for Latino Families

RICHMOND, Va. -- Children in Virginia are better off than in most states, but a new report said the Commonwealth needs to improve health outcomes…

Food-distribution programs are eligible for the American Heart Association's Faith-Based Accelerator grants for worship groups on the East Coast. (Adobe stock)

Faith-Based Grants Aim to Close Equity Gaps in At-Risk Communities

FAIRFAX, Va. - More and more people are turning to faith-based groups for help during the pandemic. In Virginia and other East Coast states, one …

Simple Cooking with Heart classes now are available online to help Virginians stay healthy during the COVID-19 shutdowns. (Adobe stock)

During Pandemic, Virginians Get Free Virtual Healthy-Cooking Classes

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. -- To accommodate more people dealing with health issues during the pandemic, a free heart-healthy cooking program for Virginians …

Virginia Fresh Match is a network of farmers markets and other food stores focused on providing access to fresh produce for low-income areas. (Adobe Stock)

VA Lawmakers Asked to Back Fresh-Produce Program for SNAP Users

RICHMOND, Va. – Hunger-fighting and public-health groups are pushing state lawmakers to fund a program that helps recipients of the …

Eating smaller portions is one of many ways to avoid packing on weight during the holiday season. (vivienviv0/Pixabay) <br />

Experts Suggest Ways to Eat Smart, Move More During Holidays

RICHMOND, Va. – Health experts say with a little bit of planning, it's possible to survive the holidays without overindulging. One tip is to …

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) makes immigrants who are lawfully present, including green card holders and temporary visitors, eligible for subsidies to purchase private health coverage. (Pixabay)

Public Can Comment on Green Card Limits to Immigrants Who Use Benefits

RICHMOND, Va. – People can now officially weigh in on a proposal by the Trump administration to punish legal permanent residents who have used …

The current agriculture bill, which impacts farm commodity prices and would make healthy food more affordable and accessible, expires Sept. 30. (Pixabay)

SNAP Work Rules Slow Progress on Farm Bill

RICHMOND, Va. — Congress may not be able to finish the farm bill by the end of the month, when the old one expires. One deadlock is a …

According to the nonprofit group Feeding America, one in six children in Virginia struggles with hunger. (Pixabay)

Feeding America SW Virginia Aims to Decrease Local Food Insecurity

ROANOKE, Va. – People around the country are stepping up to to help fight hunger, including for the nearly 900,000 struggling with food …

Supporters say public funds could be leveraged to bring needed investment in grocery stores for Virginia communities that need them. (Pixabay)

VA Grocery Investment Fund Would Target Neglected Communities

RICHMOND, Va. – Supporters say a state grocery store investment fund to be considered by lawmakers would help Virginia communities without easy …

Few people in Virginia would benefit from President Donald Trump's tax plan. (Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy)

Report Finds Trump Tax Plan Benefits Few Virginians

RICHMOND, Va. – President Donald Trump's tax proposals would do little for most Virginians, according to a new analysis. The report from the …

Despite White House claims to the contrary, new analysis finds the budget for federal safety-net programs at a historic low. (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities)

Analysis of Trump Budget: "Fake Math," Deep Cuts to Food Stamps

RICHMOND, Va. – Even a 25-percent cut to SNAP - enough to leave thousands more in Virginia hungry - can't make the White House budget math add …

Global fast food giant Kentucky Fried Chicken has committed to no longer purchasing chicken raised on antibiotics by 2018. (Ralf Roletschek/Wikimedia Commons)

Colonel Sanders to Kick the Antibiotics Habit

RICHMOND, Va. — Consumer and public health advocates are applauding the latest pledge by a fast food chain to phase out its use of chickens …

Virginia has one of the highest obesity rates for lower-income toddlers (ages 2 to 4) in the country. (The Trust for America's Health and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation)

A Cautionary Report Heading into Thanksgiving

RICHMOND, Va. – As Virginians get ready to celebrate one of the biggest eating days of the year, new research is sounding a cautionary dinner …

A new poll shows strong support for a state fund designed to bring grocery stores to Virginia food deserts. (American Heart Association)

VA Voters Favor State Fund to Bring Grocers to Underserved

RICHMOND, Va. – A new poll finds Virginia voters strongly support a state fund to help bring grocery stores to underserved communities…

The Community Eligibility Provision, a program that makes it easier for low-income students to get free breakfast and lunch at school, is under threat in Congress. (FRAC)

U.S. House Bill Threatens School Food Program

RICHMOND, Va. – A bill in Congress could cut a program Virginia has used to increase the number of students eating breakfast and lunch at …

A new homesteading law for Appalachia could help bring agriculture and hope to the coalfields. (M. Ahmed - National Forest Service)

Appalachian Homestead Act – Could The Land Bring Hope to SW Virginia?

RICHMOND, Va. - Could homesteading, giving people free land for agricultural and other uses, bring some hope to southwest Virginia? Jim Branscome …

A provision proposed for the state budget aims to help bring healthy groceries to Virginia's food deserts. (American Heart Association)

Fund in State Budget Would Aim to Make Food Deserts Bloom

RICHMOND, Va. - A provision proposed for the state budget could help finance healthy groceries for food deserts. More than 1.5 million Virginians…

School lunches could change if a bipartisan bill expected to come up for a vote in the U.S. Senate ultimately becomes law. (Coalition Against Hunger)

Legislation May Mean Better School Lunches

RICHMOND, Va. - Members of the U.S. Senate are working on a bipartisan bill that would reauthorize child nutrition programs, including the national …

A new policy brief from the Annie E. Casey Foundation found that working families, especially families of color, are having a hard time keeping even a small amount in savings. (AECF)

Simple Things Can Help VA Families Build Cushion

RICHMOND, Va. – Working families in Virginia are having a hard time building up even a small financial cushion. But the authors of a new …

Oyster reefs in the Chesapeake Bay may be threatened by climate change. Credit: Krystle Chick/Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Is Climate Change a Threat to Oyster Dressing?

RICHMOND, Va. - Climate change may be a threat to one holiday favorite – oyster dressing. According to a new report by the National Wildlife …

Simply taking a brisk walk every day can pay real dividends in keeping your heart healthy and your blood pressure and cholesterol in check. Credit: sborisov/iStockPhoto.com

Staying Heart-Healthy This Season

RICHMOND, Va. – Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons in Virginia, with the brilliant colors of the changing leaves, but for many people …

AARP is recruiting volunteers to pack one million meals for hungry seniors on the National Mall on Sept. 11. The Virginia AARP is kicking off a statewide food drive the same day. Graphic courtesy AARP.

AARP Makes 9/11 Day to Feed the Hungry in Virginia, D.C.

RICHMOND, Va. – AARP is marking the 14th anniversary of 9/11 by feeding the hungry in Virginia and in the nation's capital. The Virginia AARP …

PHOTO: While progress has been made nationally, Virginia saw a sight step back in the number of qualified, low-income children in summer feeding programs in the commonwealth in 2014. Photo courtesy of LetsMove.gov

After Steady Gains, Virginia Sees "Slight Dip" in Summer Feeding Programs

RICHMOND, Va. - More low-income children across the country are being fed school-style lunches during the summertime, but that number is somewhat …

PHOTO: A new report from the Food Research and Action Center says slightly more than 15 percent of Virginians risk going hungry and don't always have enough money for food. Photo courtesy of letsmove.gov.

Report: One in Seven Hungry in Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. - One Virginian in every seven risks going hungry, according to a new report, and that number is higher in some parts of the state…

PHOTO: As a hunger-fighting strategy, the number of children getting breakfast in school is rising. More than 1,900 Virginia schools now serve breakfast, according to a new national report. Photo courtesy Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger.

More Virginia Students Get Breakfast at School

RICHMOND, Va. - More Virginia students are getting breakfast in school, according to a new report, and hunger-fighting advocates say the state can do …

PHOTO: Outreach and efforts to increase access already are meaning more Virginia kids getting enough to eat, in school and out, according to First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe and the No Kid Hungry campaign. Photo courtesy of Drew Central Schools.

Success In Efforts To End Childhood Hunger in VA

RICHMOND, Va. - A new coalition including Virginia's First Lady already is seeing results in an effort to reduce childhood hunger. Organizers with …

PHOTO: Census data shows poverty in Virginia and the U.S. has actually increased since the end of the last recession. Photo by No Kid Hungry.

US & VA Poverty Higher Than at Recession’s End

RICHMOND, Va. - More Virginians and Americans are in poverty now than at the end of the great recession, according to census figures. Debbie …

FLYER: Virginia food banks say a food drive this week comes at a crucial time for them. Flyer courtesy of AARP Virginia.

Drive at a ‘Key Time’ for Food Banks and the Working Poor They Serve

RICHMOND, Va. - Feeding programs say a food drive this week is coming just in time to help with a serious seasonal need, much of it from the working …

PHOTO: The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is a voluntary conservation effort that encourages farmers to address resource concerns in new and innovative ways. Those farmers whose contracts are up this year must renew by Sept. 12 to continue with the program. Photo courtesy of U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Farmers: Apply Now for CSP Renewal

RICHMOND, Va. - Time is running out for some Virginia farmers who want to continue receiving federal assistance to improve soil, water, air and …

PHOTO: The Center for Rural Affairs says rural areas have higher percentages of households receiving SNAP benefits than urban areas or small cities. Virginia is no exception. Photo credit: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture/Flickr.

Hungry In The Country

RICHMOND, Va. - The issue of hunger often is associated with people in inner cities, where the cost of living tends to be high, but a new study shows …

PHOTO: Efforts to get more mothers to breastfeed their babies are paying off, as 79 percent of moms in the United States begin by nursing. The number is lower in West Virginia, despite the documented health benefits, both for women and babies. Photo credit: Mothering Touch/Flickr.

It's National Breastfeeding Month: The Perfect Baby Food

RICHMOND, Va. - August is National Breastfeeding Month, and supporters are touting the benefits of mother's milk - often called "nature's perfect …

PHOTO: Nutritionists recommend including some combination of two fruits and two vegetables in a child's lunchbox, and having them help with the selection and lunch-packing process. Photo courtesy of HealthyChild.org.

VA Parents: What's In Your Kid's Lunchbox?

RICHMOND, Va. - The start of the school year is just weeks away - and while there's no shortage of the latest backpacks and school-supply displays at …

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VA: Hunger/Food/Nutrition