摘要:The Federal nutrition assistance
safety net represents the first
line of defense in boosting the
food purchasing power and improving
the nutritional status of lowincome
households in the United
States. In fiscal 2000, USDA spent an
estimated $32.5 billion on food
assistance programs, over half of its
annual budget. Community-based
initiatives, such as farmers markets
and community gardens, can boost
the effectiveness of USDA nutrition
assistance and education programs
by increasing the availability of
high-quality and affordable food in
a community. Such initiatives also
support rural comunities by
strengthening the traditional ties
that exist between farmers and
urban consumers.