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New healthy food and meal policies for schools. USDA talks with a couple of next generation
farmers. And, no matter the weather, GIPSA keeps working. Those stories and more in This
Week at USDA. USDA and the White House joined forces to improve school wellness standards
to help build healthier learning environments. In addition to the wellness guidelines, First
Lady Michelle Obama announced proposed rule changes for getting rid of advertising of
sugary drinks and junk foods at school. Because I think we can all agree that our classrooms
should all be healthy places where kids are not bombarded with ads for junk food. Secretary
Tom Vilsack says those same school wellness rules will expand healthy school breakfast
and lunch programs. We're likely to see nearly a ten percent increase in school breakfast
and an over five percent increase in school lunch participation. So we're talking about
tens of thousands of youngsters in about twenty-two hundred school districts across the country
having access to opportunities to get breakfast and lunch at school. The record cold winter
can stop work outside, but not for inspectors for USDA's Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards
Administration. USDA Inspector Richard Aguilera describes one recent inspection of a grain
barge in Chicago. I was doing an inspection and it was a negative ten degree day with
a wind chill of minus five. Going out there on the dock our river was like a block of
ice and I remember going out there with the proper attire on. I had a life vest and a
hard hat and the proper footwear on to go out there and inspect the barge. I felt like
it was nothing dangerous and something we could handle as far as doing our part as inspectors.
New farmers face many challenges. USDA Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden hosted an on-line
discussion with new farmers and talked about helping young people stay on the farm. I'm
really encouraged and inspired right now to try to help those who want to go back because
I didn't see that I had the option to, and I didn't even think about it for very long
because it just was not possible. I don't want that to be the case today. And kids who
are in college studying no matter what they are studying and they grow up and say hey
you know, I would like to go back. I want them to be able to go back. That's all for
This Week at USDA. Follow, tweet, and stay informed at USDA dot gov.