Feeding America’s Statement on the Confirmation of Tom Vilsack as Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture

Statement attributed to Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO

February 23, 2021

“Feeding America congratulates Tom Vilsack on his confirmation as Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Mr. Vilsack served as a member of the Board of Directors of Feeding America. As he returns to USDA, we look forward to continuing the work of fighting hunger in America alongside him.

“As the federal agency that oversees decision-making on agriculture, food, natural resources, nutrition, and rural development, the USDA has been a critical partner for decades in achieving Feeding America’s mission. With a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 partner food pantries and meal programs, we work together to bring food assistance and other necessary resources to families in need throughout the country. Our country’s hunger crisis has deepened in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic and public health challenges, and Secretary Vilsack’s proven track record of prioritizing federal nutrition programs and supporting U.S. growers and producers will be critical as we recover.

“Our ability to combat hunger in America is only possible through continued partnership between the charitable sector and key policymakers. The Biden Administration has already taken significant action, but we know that more will need to be done to ensure that strong federal nutrition programs help people get back on their feet. Feeding America looks forward to working with Secretary Vilsack to advance the policies and programs that will help communities weather these difficult times.”


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About Feeding America

Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of more than 200 food banks, 21 statewide food bank associations, and over 60,000 partner agencies, food pantries and meal programs, we helped provide 5.3 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need last year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; brings attention to the social and systemic barriers that contribute to food insecurity in our nation; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on X.com.