USDA secretary Tom Vilsack and Marc H. Morial, president of the National Urban League, have announced a Memorandum of Understanding to reaffirm the relationship between USDA and the civil rights organization.
“This signing reinforces USDA’s commitment to improving health outcomes and quality of life in the communities that we serve,” said Vilsack in a statement. “To help those who have been historically underserved, it is paramount that we work together with a shared commitment to improve access to our programs, equip people with the resources they need, and advance equity goals.”
One way the groups hope to improve security and access to nutritious food is through the development of urban agriculture.
"This is a broad and far-reaching initiative that will address inequity and create opportunity at every level of the Department's programming and regulatory responsibility," Morial said in a statement. “We’re proud to collaborate with a forward-thinking agency that is committed to carrying out the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government equity agenda.”
The memorandum establishes the inclusion of urban agriculture and rural development opportunities into USDA's workforce development and entrepreneurship programs, helping current and future workers to acquire the necessary skills to meet the demands of these agricultural jobs.
The first phase of the partnership will focus on identifying and developing areas in which the USDA can improve its ability to carry out missions with the National Urban League. Examples of such areas include home ownership, access to broadband, help for veterans, and youth development.
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