USDA Announces $7.5 Million in Grant Funding to Expand Cold Chain Capacity 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today [August 17, 2026] announced $7.5 million in grant funding available through the Cold Chain Grants for Emergency Food Assistance Program (CCG). The Program will fund projects to support cold chain equipment investments that help food assistance entities temporarily store, effectively package, and distribute fresh, frozen, and minimally processed foods.

“The Trump Administration continues to prioritize providing Real Food for Americans. Over the past year and a half, we have worked hard to incentivize healthier options for Americans and today’s announcement is another step in...

RFK Cooking Show? HHS Launches Cooking Series Centered on “Real Food” Message, and More

On July 30, US Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Jr. launched “The Real Food Show,” according to a press release. The new cooking series will be aimed at helping Americans prepare healthy, affordable meals at home using whole-food ingredients. 

Kennedy announced the initiative at Fort Drum during the opening of the Belvedere Bistro, a military dining facility operated by Compass Group as part of Chef Robert Irvine’s food modernization effort for US bases. 

USDA, HHS, EPA Join Forces to Bolster Consumer Protections from Heavy Metals and Other Contaminants 

Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin announced an updated Memorandum of Understanding to reaffirm their shared commitment to protecting consumers from heavy metals and other contaminants in food.

For decades, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have coordinated through the National Residue Program to monitor and regulate meat, poultry...

Steak n' Shake Completes Transition to 100% Grass-Fed, Grass-Finished Beef

Quick-service restaurants are increasingly looking for ways to balance quality, value, and growing consumer demand for healthier menu options. Steak n' Shake is the latest chain to emphasize that effort, highlighting a major change to its beef sourcing in a series of social media posts.

According to a report from Men's Journal, the move aligns with elements of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA)...

On May 12, the company posted on X...

USDA Requires SNAP Authorized Retailers to Carry More Real Food

Today, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the final rule regarding stocking standards for retailers participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), ensuring a broader variety of nutritious food is available to SNAP participants at authorized retailers across the country.

Since the beginning of the Trump Administration, the Food and Nutrition Service has taken action on nearly 3,200 retailers regarding current stocking standards, either for failing to meet them upon application or failing to maintain them once authorized. The latter results in disqualification from accepting SNAP benefits.

USDA Announces New Partnerships to Advance MAHA Agenda

Today, US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, joined by US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy. Jr., and National Nutrition Advisor at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Dr. Ben Carson announced the USDA's commencement of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans Strategic Partnerships, an effort which encourages the private sector to participate in educating the American people about the importance of the Guidelines and how they serve as the foundation to better eating...

PODCAST: Ep. 38 - Infant Formula Recalls, MAHA, and Reformulation: Food Ingredients in Spotlight

Expana presents Agri-Food for Thought, the podcast series for agriculture and food professionals.

In this episode of Agri-food for Thought, host Simon Duke welcomes Expana Editorial team member Fei Thompson to discuss the dynamic and challenging landscape of the food additives sector in early 2026.

They begin with the global infant formula recalls triggered by cereulide toxin found in arachidonic acid (ARA) oil supplied to major manufacturers like Nestlé, Danone, and Lactalis. The contamination highlights vulnerabilities in global ingredient supply chains

Trump Admin Roundtable Discussion: Bridge Payments to Farmers, Soybean Purchases, Fair Trade, EUDR

On December 8, US President Trump held a roundtable meeting with members of the US farming community, Agriculture Secretary Rollins, Treasury Secretary Bessent, and others at the White House to announce monetary support to farmers impacted by the US trade policy. 

The administration announced plans to provide $12 billion in tariff income-fueled support for farmers, to address the high costs of farm equipment, and to examine anti-competitive behavior in the food supply chain...

USDA Refines SNAP Requirements

As of today, the US Department of Agriculture plans to refine the requirements around government subsidized food stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), according to a USDA press release which cited the Trump administration's goal to "turn the tide" on chronic disease in America.

"Currently, SNAP retailers are required to stock three varieties of food in each of four staple food categories – dairy, protein, grain, and fruits and vegetables – 12 foods total," read the release which proposes doubling the number of food choices, closing loopholes allowing snack foods, and simplifying the standards for retailers...

Salty Snacks Maker, Utz to Remove Artificial Colors By 2027

As of September 23, Utz Brands, Inc. will remove certified Food, Drug and Cosmetic (“FD&C”) colors from its product portfolio by 2027, according to a company press release. 

“Since 1921, Utz Brands, Inc. has been committed to making snacks with quality, transparency, and simple, trusted ingredients. As consumer tastes and government regulatory initiatives evolve, we adapt while staying true to the flavors and traditions people love," read the statement...