HHS, USDA Announce Investments to Expand Protein Access, Strengthen Cold Chain Infrastructure

WASHINGTON-MAY 19, 2026-The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced a $7.5 million investment to expand Americans' access to high-quality protein, strengthen nutrition security, and reduce food waste nationwide. Through a new agreement with HATCH for Hunger, HHS will support a national initiative to redirect surplus protein to families in need, improve health outcomes, and help reduce the burden of chronic disease. This effort aligns with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), which emphasize the importance of protein-rich foods like meats, eggs, and dairy as part of a healthy diet.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) also announced its intent to fund a competitive grant program to strengthen cold chain infrastructure for emergency food assistance operations, including faith-based partners who serve communities in need. USDA will provide up to $7.5 million to help eligible nonprofit organizations safely distribute nutrient-dense proteins such as meat, eggs, seafood, and dairy to Americans in need. Additional information will be forthcoming from the Department.

"Access to real, nutritious food is one of the foundations of good health," said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. "This investment will expand access to high-quality protein, reduce food waste, and help food banks deliver the nutrition families need to prevent chronic disease and live healthier lives. Under President Trump's Make America Healthy Again agenda, we are putting nutrition back at the center of public health."

"The 2025 DGAs encourage Americans to Eat Real Food-including nourishing foods harvested and raised by America's farmers and ranchers," said USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins. "With this investment, USDA is strengthening the infrastructure that ensures our fresh, high-quality food reaches Americans in need. By expanding cold storage and distribution capacity, we are supporting our producers, reducing food waste, and delivering nutritious food consistent with the Make America Healthy Again agenda."

"Charitable food networks face an estimated 800-million-pound protein gap every year, driven largely by infrastructure and logistics challenges," said Jeff Simmons, CEO of Elanco Animal Health and Board Chairman of HATCH for Hunger. "I'm incredibly grateful to HHS and USDA for their efforts to improve accessibility, as well as America's farmers and the U.S. protein industry for rallying behind this cause."

Through this joint effort, HHS and USDA are aligning agriculture, nutrition, and public health policy to expand access to fresh, high-quality protein for American families, help prevent chronic disease, and Make America Healthy Again.