In a release dated July 21st, the USDA announced an allocation of $10.7 million to the Patrick Leahy Farm-to-School Program and $30.0 million in funding for Local And Regional Healthy-Food Financing Partnerships Initiative.
In announcing support, USDA secretary Tom Vilsack stated, "The Administration is committed to supporting urban communities through increased market opportunities for small and mid-sized producers strengthening the food system nationally and locally by
investing in urban agricultural operations". Funding will allow for seventeen new Urban Service Centers and ten Urban County Committees.
The question arises as to how USDA will measure the return from the allocation of funding based on taxpayer funds.