The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Urban League have cosigned a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to reaffirm and strengthen the relationship between each other. The two organizations share a common mission to enhance equity across the country, ensure access to adequate nutrition, and improve the quality of life for underserved populations. The partnership is in alignment with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Executive Order 13985 on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.
The two groups plan to work collaboratively to promote nutrition and food security, increase access to healthy foods, and ensure equitable service delivery of USDA programs in underserved communities across the USA. They also plan to encourage urban agriculture as a means of increasing food production and access, earning a living, and improving the environment, in order to build stronger communities.
“This signing reinforces USDA’s commitment to improving health outcomes and quality of life in the communities that we serve,” said USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. “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.”
The MOU establishes the inclusion of urban agriculture and rural development opportunities into USDA’s workforce development and entrepreneurship programs, along with increasing awareness and understanding of USDA programs and resources.
“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,” Marc H. Morial, President of the National Urban League, said. “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.”