The Nevada Department of Agriculture recently went before the Legislature’s Interim Finance Committee to request and seek approval for use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for multiple work programs to continue to strengthen Nevada’s food systems and ensure food security for all.

“Ensuring that all Nevadans have access to food is a critical priority for me and my administration,” said Gov. Steve Sisolak. “With the approval of programs from lawmakers on IFC last week, the Nevada Department of Agriculture will be able to bolster the state’s food systems and infrastructure, which is important as we recover from the pandemic.”

Due to additional stress on the State’s food systems as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NDA has administered over $469.9 million in federal and state allocated funds to improve food distribution and nutrition programs since March of 2020.

The NDA quickly pivoted program funding processes for schools to continue meal services for students while they were closed and during distance learning, in addition to expanding support for food banks, ensuring they had the necessary funding to address the increase in individuals seeking food assistance.

The NDA also supported the improvement of food inventory and distribution systems to provide easier access for Nevadans to buy locally produced food products and aided agriculture businesses to continue safely operating during the public health emergency.

“Creating resilient food systems that increase food security is part of our mission,” said NDA Director Jennifer Ott. “The additional funding from the American Rescue Plan Act will help ensure that our systems can supply food to our communities and expand economic opportunities for Nevada’s agribusinesses.”

Funding requests put forth before IFC were proposed with the intent to strengthen existing food security efforts as well as allow the NDA to establish new programming including a state meat inspection program; the Home Feeds Nevada Agriculture Food Purchase program, as outlined in SB370 during the 81st Legislative Session; and the Senior Nutrition and Wellness Program.

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Source: Nevada Department of Agriculture which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.