U.S. Department of Agriculture

U.S. grocery stores, including Walmart, Costco, Target, Kroger, and Stop & Shop, are lowering prices on selected items and expanding lower-cost store brands to attract budget-conscious shoppers amid inflation, rising food costs, and shifting consumer habits. However, overall grocery bills are unlikely to decrease significantly as food prices remain high and are projected to continue rising.

Florida's high SNAP error rate could cost the state up to $1 billion, with Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried alleging the errors are intentional to limit program participation. USDA data shows Florida's 12.97% error rate exceeds the national average, potentially requiring state contributions to the federal food program for the first time.

Grocery prices in 2026 rose 4.2% year-over-year, with food-at-home and food-away-from-home costs increasing by 3.1% and 2.7%, respectively. The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides monthly budget guidelines for groceries based on household size and spending levels, including thrifty, low-cost, moderate-cost, and liberal plans.

Upcoming changes to the federal SNAP program will require states to fund billions in benefits starting in 2027, leading to fears of reduced access for millions of Americans. States with high payment error rates will face penalties, and over 4 million people have already lost benefits since the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was enacted.

Upcoming changes to the federal SNAP program require states to fund portions of benefits starting in 2027, potentially costing states over $9 billion annually. States with high payment error rates will face penalties, and nearly 4 million Americans have already lost benefits since the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was enacted.

Upcoming changes to the federal SNAP program require states to fund some benefits starting in 2027, penalizing states with high payment error rates. Over 4 million Americans have already lost benefits, and states could face billions in costs, raising concerns about reduced access to food assistance.

Upcoming changes to the federal SNAP program require states to fund portions of benefits starting in 2027, potentially costing states over $9 billion annually. The changes, part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, include stricter eligibility and work requirements, leading to 4 million Americans losing benefits. States with high payment error rates will face financial penalties, raising concerns about reduced access to food assistance and possible state exits from the program.

China made its largest daily purchase of US soybeans since November, with 472,000 tonnes reported by the US Department of Agriculture. The transaction is seen as a sign of improving trade ties and progress toward fulfilling commitments from the Trump-Xi summit.

President Trump ordered federal agencies to identify and cancel contracts promoting 'gender ideology extremism' in 2025. The USDA found only about seven such contracts initially but later canceled additional funding, including a grant for 'food justice for trans people.' Critics questioned the USDA's limited findings, noting its historically conservative stance on gender and minority issues.

Pennsylvania apple growers impacted by a late-April freeze will receive expanded federal relief, including the ability to finalize crop insurance claims early. The USDA aims to provide flexibility for harvest and marketing decisions, supported by state officials and agricultural leaders.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed a new case of New World screwworm in Crockett County, Texas, affecting a domestic sheep, increasing the total confirmed cases to 31.

Massachusetts reported a 12.5% error rate for SNAP benefits in fiscal year 2025, exceeding the federal 6% threshold and potentially requiring the state to cover 5-15% of its SNAP costs starting October 1, 2027. The U.S. Department of Agriculture cited 'significant waste' and $10.1 billion in nationwide improper payments, while Massachusetts also addressed a $855,000 fraud scheme in its SUN Bucks program.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer faces criticism for proposing the 'Family Grocer and Farmer Relief Act' amid rising beef prices. The article argues high prices result from supply and demand dynamics, including a 9% decline in U.S. cattle inventory since 2019, drought, and increased production costs, not price gouging. Beef packers reported losses in 2025, contradicting claims of monopolistic profits.

Federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could cost Minnesota up to $250 million annually. The law requires states with higher payment error rates to cover a larger share of SNAP costs, and Minnesota's error rate increased from 9% in 2024 to 12% in 2025. The state must now cover 75% of administrative costs for the program, up from 50%.

Tribes aim to expand Indigenous agriculture and preserve heritage crops through the Farm Bill, but face challenges as federal programs supporting tribal farmers were cut under the Trump administration. The Biden administration launched programs like LFPA and LFS to help local food purchases, which were later terminated in 2025. Senators Jack Reed and Jim Justice introduced a bill to create a permanent grant program for local food purchases by tribes and states.

Indigenous farmers like Dawn and Cassius Spears at Ashawaug Farm rely on federal programs to cultivate and distribute culturally significant crops, but Trump-era cuts to USDA programs have limited their reach. The Biden administration established two pandemic-era programs to help tribes and states purchase local food, but these were terminated in 2025 under the Trump administration. Senators Jack Reed and Jim Justice introduced a bill to create a permanent grant program for local food purchases by tribes and states.

The Southwest Human Resource Agency's Summer Nutrition Program in West Tennessee is on track to distribute twice as many meals this year compared to 2025, reaching 630,000 meals in five weeks. The program now serves 20 counties, including new areas like Obion, Weakley, Tipton, and Crockett, but faces challenges with home delivery in rural regions due to staffing shortages.

Rising cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections in coastal waters and increased health risks are linked to Trump administration cuts in health programs and ocean monitoring. The administration reduced investments in agencies tracking pathogens, leading to challenges in addressing emerging threats like flesh-eating bacteria, screwworm reemergence, and malaria vulnerabilities.

White House budget director Russell Vought testified before a U.S. House panel advocating for a 13.3% increase in funding for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to modernize systems and expand staff, while proposing cuts to domestic agencies like Agriculture and Health and Human Services. The Trump administration's 2027 budget requests a $1.5 trillion defense budget and a 10% reduction in non-defense spending.

A Louisiana audit found the state returned $111 million in unused federal WIC benefits from 2021-24, ranking 50th nationally for participation. The audit highlights barriers like limited clinic hours, insufficient outreach, and lack of mobile clinics, urging expansion to improve access for low-income mothers and babies.

Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Pasadena) has joined a bipartisan group of senators in introducing the Hazardous Fuels Transportation Assistance Act, which aims to reduce wildfire risk by establishing a USDA grant program to offset transportation costs of woody biomass from forest-thinning projects. Supporters highlight that high transportation costs often lead operators to leave the material in forests.

The federal government is suing Minnesota and three other states for not providing data on SNAP beneficiaries to investigate fraud, with Minnesota's DCYF arguing the request violates privacy. Minneapolis City Council Member Aisha Chughtai announced a leave of absence for mental health treatment, while Fosston's legal battle with Essentia Health over hospital control moves to arbitration. Storms damaged northern Minnesota ahead of Bemidji's Water Carnival.

Arkansas is proceeding with a ban on using SNAP benefits for candy and soda starting Wednesday, despite a federal judge's recent ruling that similar restrictions in other states violated federal law. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders cited public health concerns, including obesity and diabetes, as justification for the policy.

Arkansas will implement a ban on using SNAP benefits to purchase candy and soda despite a recent court ruling that invalidated similar restrictions in other states. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders cited public health concerns, including obesity and diabetes, as the rationale for the policy.

A Louisiana audit found nearly half of federal WIC food assistance for low-income mothers and children went unredeemed, with over $111 million returned to the USDA. The report recommends expanding access through mobile clinics, off-site appointments, and additional WIC clinics in underserved parishes to address barriers like limited hours and outreach efforts.

Missouri faces a potential $150 million cost for federal nutrition assistance if its SNAP error rate remains above 6% in 2027 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The state's SNAP error rate improved to 8.67% in fiscal year 2025, down from 9.42% in 2024 and 10.54% in 2023, but advocates warn disruptions during the 2025 government shutdown could raise the rate. The law requires states with error rates above 6% to cover 5-15% of SNAP benefits starting October 2027.

A group of moderate U.S. House Democrats, including Reps. Sharice Davids, Gabe Vasquez, and Jim Costa, sent a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins demanding transparency and additional resources to address a New World screwworm outbreak in Texas and New Mexico. The lawmakers emphasized concerns over the pest's impact on livestock and food prices, while a USDA spokesperson defended the agency's communication efforts.

Tennessee could face a financial penalty of up to $171 million for its 9.44% SNAP payment error rate under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act starting October 2027. The state’s overpayment rate was 7.84%, and underpayment rate was 1.60%, exceeding Congress’s 6% goal. States with error rates between 8% and 10% must cover 10% of SNAP costs, which are typically federally funded.

Over 100 dead dogs, many with gunshot wounds, were discovered at Miranda’s Rescue, a 'no-kill' animal shelter in Fortuna, California. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and USDA investigators found 117 canine remains, 21 skulls, hundreds of bones, and 600 dog collars, with evidence suggesting animal cruelty and fraud. The founder, Shannon Miranda, is under investigation.

117 dead dogs, many with gunshot wounds, were discovered at Miranda’s Rescue, a 'no-kill' animal shelter in Fortuna, California. Authorities recovered remains from dig sites, 600 dog collars, and microchips linked to the shelter founder Shannon Miranda, with investigations ongoing into animal cruelty and fraud.

Over 100 dead dogs, many with gunshot wounds, were found at Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna, California. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office recovered 117 dogs from dig sites, along with 21 skulls, hundreds of bones, and six microchips. Forensic veterinarians and USDA officials determined gunshot wounds caused many deaths, while the investigation into animal cruelty and fraud continues.

A new case of New World Screwworm has been confirmed in Jim Hogg County, Texas, in a domestic cattle. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 26, as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The U.S. Department of Justice is suing Minnesota for refusing to provide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) data to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The lawsuit alleges Minnesota's noncompliance with USDA requests since May 2026 has enabled potential fraud and waste in SNAP administration. Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Kentucky are also being sued for similar reasons.

House Democrats, including members of the New Democrat Coalition, demanded the USDA provide more details and allocate resources to address the New World screwworm outbreak in Texas and New Mexico. The lawmakers criticized the Trump administration for insufficient transparency and preparedness, while the USDA defended its communication efforts.

A group of 21 moderate House Democrats, including Reps. Sharice Davids, Gabe Vasquez, and Jim Costa, demanded the USDA provide more details and allocate additional resources to address the New World screwworm outbreak in Texas and New Mexico. The lawmakers criticized the Trump administration for insufficient transparency and urged proactive measures to prevent further spread, while a USDA spokesperson defended the agency's communication efforts.

A group of House Democrats from the New Democrat Coalition questioned USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins about the agency's response to a New World screwworm outbreak in Texas and New Mexico. The lawmakers demanded increased resources and transparency to address the parasitic fly's impact on livestock and food prices, while USDA defended its communication efforts.

A group of moderate U.S. House members, including Reps. Sharice Davids, Gabe Vasquez, and Jim Costa, demanded the USDA provide more details and allocate resources to address a New World screwworm outbreak in Texas and New Mexico. The lawmakers criticized the Trump administration for insufficient transparency and urged proactive measures to support affected ranchers and prevent further spread. The USDA defended its communication efforts, stating it has provided 'unprecedented' updates to stakeholders.

Congressional disagreements over the farm bill have stalled its reauthorization, with the Senate excluding the Save Our Bacon Act from its draft while the House included it. The Act aims to override state laws like California’s Prop 12, which restricts pork from extreme animal confinement. Advocacy groups and industry groups oppose each other’s positions on these regulations.

Food stamp enrollment in the U.S. dropped by over 4 million people after new restrictions under a law enacted in July 2025. Minnesota's participation fell 3.55%, with a 12.58% error rate in SNAP payments, exceeding the federal threshold of 6%. The law requires states with high error rates to cover part of the program's cost, and the Senate's draft farm bill excludes a Democratic proposal to reverse this requirement.

Florida reduced its SNAP payment error rate to 12.97% but remains above the national average and the threshold under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), requiring a nearly $1 billion state contribution. The USDA highlighted accountability concerns, and the state plans to allocate $4 million to address errors in the 2026-27 budget.