Tag: Federal programs

With a budget exceeding $200 billion in recent years, the USDA plays a pivotal role in the American economy and food supply. Its vast portfolio encompasses a wide range of initiatives that affect millions of Americans, from assisting farmers with financial aid to ensuring low-income families have access to nutritious food.

While the exact number of participants served *when WIC began in 1974* is difficult to pinpoint, the program experienced rapid growth, starting from a pilot phase in 1972 and expanding to 45 states within its first official year. This initial phase laid the groundwork for what would become a cornerstone of federal nutrition assistance.

In 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) replaced the well-known food pyramid with a new, more modern visual tool for promoting healthy eating. The answer to "what is the name of the current food guide for people in the United States" is MyPlate, a colorful, simple graphic depicting a place setting divided into five food groups to aid in meal planning.

According to the Food Research & Action Center, over 13% of U.S. households experienced food insecurity at some point in 2023. The federal government has multiple resources to combat this, with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) being the answer to the question: **What is the primary food program for low-income families in the US?**.