For the last eight years, USDA has vigorously invested in the rural way of life. Last week we got the good news that today, 7.9 million fewer people are struggling to provide enough food for themselves or household members than when President Obama took office. In fact, food insecurity for children is at the lowest level on record—meaning our kids are able to access nutritious food in higher numbers than in the past. This is a significant benchmark in our battle against hunger and food insecurity, and shows the growing strength of the rural economy.

Innovation has played a significant role in bringing jobs and wages back to rural areas. Encouraging businesses to expand on new ideas benefits not only the operations themselves, but also our communities as a whole. To that end, last week we announced that 76 small rural businesses will receive grants through the Small Business Innovation Research Program to conduct research related to food security, natural resource and agricultural issues. You can find examples of the kinds of projects USDA funded across the country on our website.

We also announced a new investment in the rural quality of life by way of grants to 107 organizations to preserve and repair affordable housing for very-low- and low-income families living in rural areas. A full list of the selected organizations can be found here.

And importantly, our rural strategy includes ensuring that the rural economy includes opportunities for the next generation of rural Americans. We’ve invested in a new economy focused on lifting the potential of rural America through things like biobased products and manufacturing; production agriculture; local and regional food systems; and conservation and natural resources. Just last week we announced an investment of $26.6 million into 45 projects that will spur innovative conservation initiatives on both rural and urban farms across the country. Public and private grantees will provide matching investments, bringing the total value of support to $59 million. Demand for this type of support outpaces what USDA can provide alone, but outside partners are willing to make additional investments because they see the good it can do for the environment and for their communities.

Join us throughout the month of September as we tell the important story of eight years of significant and transformative investments across the nation that have empowered rural America to continue leading the way, strengthening America’s economy, as well as the small towns and rural communities that so many call home. Follow along on usda.gov, on the USDA blog and by using #USDAResults, or catch up on Chapter IX on our Medium site.

Throughout the month you can join us as we tell the important story of how eight years of significant and transformative investments across the nation have empowered rural America to continue leading the way, strengthening America’s economy, as well as the small towns and rural communities that so many call home.