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Hello, friends of faith and community.

This September, I’m reflecting on a truth that has guided the U.S. Department o Agriculture (USDA) Center for Faith from the beginning: compassion is faith in action.

Compassion means more than good intentions. It is the daily work of partnering with houses of worship, faith-based organizations, and neighborhood groups who are already on the front lines—feeding the hungry, supporting families, strengthening rural communities, and walking alongside those who feel unseen.

At the Center for Faith, we connect these trusted partners to USDA resources so that no one has to carry the burden alone. When a congregation opens its doors, when a faith leader reaches out, when a community organization steps up—we are there to help them go further.

This month, let’s keep choosing compassion together. Because when faith and service meet, lives are changed and communities are restored.

Thank you for the work you do. We are honored to walk this path with you.

Yours in partnership,

Steve Messeh, Director

USDA Center for Faith

To get the latest news, please sign up for the USDA Faith Center newsletter

As the leaves change and the fields yield their harvest, autumn reminds us of God’s faithfulness. Each season has its purpose: a time to plant, a time to grow, a time to gather, and a time to rest.

Harvest is a reminder that our efforts—though sometimes unseen—can bear fruit in God’s timing. The seeds of kindness, faith, patience, and love that we plant today may bless others in ways we cannot yet see.

Fall also teaches us about release. Just as trees let go of their leaves, we are invited to surrender our worries, disappointments, and burdens to God. Letting go is not a sign of weakness; it is an act of trust. When we place our lives in God’s hands, He prepares us for new growth.

This season, may we give thanks for the blessings we have received, share generously with those in need, and remember that every harvest is a gift. May our lives produce a harvest of compassion, joy, peace, and faith.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

May this fall season renew your spirit and remind you that God is present in every season of life.

Blessings

Dr. Alveda King, Senior Advisor on Faith and Community Outreach

USDA Center for Faith

To get the latest news, please sign up for the USDA Faith Center newsletter

USDA Announces Harvest to Hallways Initiative to Invest in Child Nutrition Programs

USDA announced sweeping new efforts to strengthen school meals by connecting more American farmers with local schools, investing in school kitchen infrastructure, and giving states and school districts new tools to serve healthier, more nutrient-dense meals to America’s children.

Harvest to Hallways includes up to $70 million in investments in school cafeteria infrastructure, an effort to expand schools’ use of local food procurement options, and up to $25 million in additional Farm to School Grants for Fiscal Year 2026.

President Trump Signs Executive Orders, Cementing Status as Most Pro-Rancher Administration in History

President Donald J. Trump signed two Executive Orders supporting America’s ranchers and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins made additional announcements protecting our nation’s cattle herd and providing transparency for consumers. American ranchers embody the ethos of our nation’s founding 250 years ago and should be provided with the tools to rebuild our Great American Cattle Herd.

In addition to the two Executive Orders, USDA also announced four additional actions it is taking to follow-up on the USDA Plan to Fortify the American Beef Industry (2025 USDA Beef Plan) released last year, and the Ranchers First Initiative.

USDA Unveils Plan to Modernize Agricultural Data Collection and Put Farmers First

USDA announced a new Data Modernization Plan to put Farmers First, reduce unnecessary burdens on producers, and improve the timeliness, accuracy, and usefulness of the agricultural data that informs decisions across American agriculture.

USDA will begin implementing actions under the plan immediately and will continue engaging farmers, ranchers, and agricultural stakeholders throughout the process. The Department will evaluate new approaches carefully, protect privacy and confidentiality, and publish clear methodologies and supporting information to maintain the integrity of USDA’s agricultural statistics.

To learn more, please view the full USDA Data Modernization Plan.

Renacer Foundation Visits USDA

The USDA Center for Faith hosted a meeting with the Renacer Foundation to discuss the needs of, and challenges, facing faith communities across the country. The Renacer team shared more about their work, and USDA Center staff discussed opportunities for partnership. We are excited to work with Renacer and the many faith communities across the country serving their neighbors and communities.

Dr. Alveda King Speaks at the Capitol Commission's Faith Leader Convening on Capitol Hill

Dr. Alveda King of the USDA Center for Faith provided remarks alongside Senator Bill Cassidy at the Capitol Commission's convening for faith leaders in the Dirksen Senate Office Building. We are thankful for the work of the Commission and supporting Religious Liberty for all Americans.

USDA Center for Faith Speaks at HUD Opportunity Zone Summit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Director Steve Messeh of the USDA Center for Faith provided panel remarks at recent Opportunity Zones Summit hosted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The summit convened business leaders, faith leaders, and community economic development professionals to demystify opportunity zones, and provide information about available programs and resources. For additional information about Opportunity Zones please visit: https://www.hud.gov/opportunity-zones

USDA Center for Faith Hosts Roundtable with Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty

The USDA Center for Faith hosted the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty and a group of faith leaders from across Texas to come together in fellowship, and learn more about USDA and Federal partner programs. Attendees included the HUD and HHS Centers for Faith to highlight their respective resources, and how the federal family can come together and work hand in hand with local communities.

4-H: Beyond Ready

Next week is National 4-H Week! 4-H is America’s largest youth development organization—empowering nearly six million young people with the skills to go beyond the expected.

USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Division of Youth and 4-H is home to the 4-H National Headquarters. 4-H programs in science, healthy living and civic engagement are backed by a network of 100 public universities and a robust community of 4‑H volunteers and professionals. Through hands-on learning, youth build not only confidence, creativity and curiosity, but also life skills such as leadership and resiliency to help them thrive today and tomorrow.

FFA Grant and Scholarship Opportunities

Through a variety of grants and scholarships, the National Future Farmers of America Organization provides financial assistance to individual members, FFA chapters and advisors. These funds are intended to remove financial barriers to participation in FFA activities. Learn more about these funding opportunities.

Greetings Partners,

Harvest is a joyful reminder of the provision and the blessings that come from caring for the earth. As we gather fruits, vegetables, grains, and other nourishing foods, we celebrate the abundance that sustains our families and communities.

Healthy food gives children and adults the energy to learn, work, play, and grow. Colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and other nutritious foods help strengthen our bodies and support our well-being. Sharing wholesome meals also strengthens families, because the table is a place where we connect, listen, and give thanks.

For young people, harvest teaches an important lesson: what we plant and care for matters. Just as gardens need sunlight, water, and patience, our bodies and minds need nutritious food, rest, movement, kindness, and encouragement. Small healthy choices made each day can grow into a strong and healthy life.

Abundance also calls us to generosity. When we have more than we need, we can share with neighbors, support food programs, reduce waste, and make sure that everyone has access to nourishing meals. No family should feel forgotten or left out.

As we celebrate this harvest season, may we be grateful for the farmers, gardeners, families, and communities that help bring food to our tables. May we choose foods that nourish us, care for the earth, and share our blessings with others.

May our harvest be abundant, our meals be healthy, our families be strong, and our hearts be generous.

Thank you for your partnership,



Alex Cordova

Deputy Director, USDA Center for Faith

USDA Center for Faith

To get the latest news, please sign up for the USDA Faith Center newsletter

The USDA Center for Faith collects and shares information about available grants from USDA and federal partners. These are selected based on relevance to our faith partners, but are not all inclusive of our offerings. Please visit grants.gov for a comprehensive listing.

Community Facilities Direct Loan Program and Guaranteed Loan Program

Community Facilities Direct Loan Program

USDA Rural Development provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. Projects include fire and rescue stations, town halls, health care clinics and hospitals.

Application deadline: Open Year Round

Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan Program

USDA Rural Development provides loan guarantees to eligible lenders to develop essential community facilities (CF) in rural areas. Examples of community facilities include health care facilities, buildings like town halls, and public safety facilities such as fire departments.

Application deadline: Open Year Round

Rapid Response to Weather Events Across Food and Agricultural Systems - A1712

USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture seeks applications that focus on critical and urgent solutions in rapid response to weather and disaster impacts on the Nation’s food and agricultural systems and that clearly describe short-term deliverables (within 3 months of award receipt), including a plan for their adoption/use. Application window: Within 45 days of weather event or disaster

On-Farm Labor Housing Loans

USDA Rural Development provides low-interest loans to borrowers to develop or rehabilitate rental housing for very-low- to moderate-income farm laborers. Application window: Open until funds are depleted.

Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve, or remove health and safety hazards to their homes. Application window: Open

Environmental Quality Incentives Program

High Tunnel Initiative

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is the flagship conservation program of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners integrate conservation into working lands. EQIP provides technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers and forest landowners to address natural resource concerns, such as improved water and air quality, increased soil health, drought mitigation and much more.

This particular EQIP initiative encourages producers to use High Tunnel Systems (aka “hoop houses”) to extend their growing season and protect plants from severe weather. Learn more and find your local service center at the link below.

This collection of thrifty favorites can help celebrate the season by using fresh, whole foods without breaking the bank.

Authentic Cuban Black Beans with Shredded Chicken

Silky and slow-cooked Cuban black beans finished with tender shredded chicken and served over fluffy white rice. The recipe offers two paths: a traditional overnight-soaked version that builds the deepest flavor, and a quick version using canned beans for weeknights.

Please visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Administration's website for additional recipes to support healthy families.

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

Pecan Pie

Vegetable Chili