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In His Own Words: E. Kika De La Garza Science Fellow Alok Arun

Since 1998, E. Kika De La Garza Fellowships have recognized highly accomplished staff and faculty at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and Hispanic-Serving School Districts. Participants meet directly with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agencies to learn about opportunities are available for their respective institutions and their students. Science Fellows, like Associate Professor of Biotechnology Alok Arun from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico Barranquitas campus, also collaborate with leading USDA scientists and a USDA Research Center. Professor Arun shares his experience with the Fellowship Program.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

From mid-September through mid-October, USDA is celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month, an observance that recognizes contributions made by Hispanic and Latino Americans. In 2021, the Census Bureau reported more than 62 million Hispanics and Latinos living on the U.S. mainland and 3.3 million living in Puerto Rico. According to the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, the Hispanic and Latino share of the labor force is projected to reach 35.9 million in 2030, accounting for 78% of the net new workers between 2020 and 2030.

USDA's Disaster Mapping Team Provides Data in the Most Critical Times

As we observe September as National Preparedness Month, it is important to remember that being prepared is the most important thing you can do to assist in dealing with any disaster or emergency. Unfortunately, no amount of preparation will stop a natural disaster or emergency from occurring, but how you react to them can be just as critical. This is why the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) created a Disaster Mapping Team.

Reflecting on and Improving on Tribal Programs at FNS

Each opportunity to engage directly with the people we serve through our programs provides moments to learn and reflect. For far too long, decisions about the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, also known as FDPIR, were made for tribes rather than with tribes or even by tribes. But USDA is committed to turning that tide and making the future of FDPIR one marked by listening, understanding and collaboration. Last month’s National Association of Food Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, was the perfect occasion for FNS to discuss recent and upcoming changes to FDPIR with our tribal partners and hear feedback directly from those who would be impacted.

Do You Know the Correct Place to Insert Your Food Thermometer?

You have a food thermometer and are ready to use it – that’s fantastic! But do you know where to place it in your foods? Correctly placing the food thermometer within food is important to get the most accurate temperature reading. Without proper placement, it’s possible that parts of your food could still be undercooked and, if contaminated, could make you sick.

1890s Institutions Charging Forth on Specialty Crop Projects through USDA Support

With last month’s announcement of the 2023 Specialty Crop Block Grant awards, the program has reached a milestone of over $1 billion invested into projects to support the U.S. specialty crop industry. Since the program’s inception in 2006, 1890s land-grant universities throughout the country have been using USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funding to address key specialty crop challenges in their states. SCBGP supports these historically Black colleges and universities, and others nationwide, by funding a variety of grant projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops.

Meet Cristal Castillo, a 2023 USDA HEP/CAMP Intern

Meet Cristal Castillo, a native of Pingree, Idaho who attends Idaho State University majoring in marketing. Cristal is one of eight students selected for an internship with USDA’s 2023 High School Equivalency Program (HEP)/College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP).