US ag chief announces funding during Va. visit

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The federal government is making up to $31.5 million available for projects to help low-income residents buy more fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the funding on Monday with Virginia first lady Dorothy McAuliffe during a visit to Richmond.

The funding will be made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Proposed projects could range from small pilots to large-scale multi-year efforts.

Projects must have the support of a state Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, agency.

The deadline for applications is Dec. 15.

Vilsack also is scheduled to tour the State Fair of Virginia in Doswell on Monday with the first lady and Gov. Terry McAuliffe.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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