president obama

The Obama administration has called on Americans from all backgrounds and walks of life to work to improve their communities as part of the United We Serve project. Here at USDA, many of our more than 100,000 employees are doing their part. They are driven to serve, and proud to identify ways to use their skills to support their own communities.

Take a look at the great work two USDA employees are doing:

People’s Garden—Tom (Goodhue, MN)

As you may have seen, it's been a busy week on the Rural Tour. Secretary Vilsack visited Wisconsin last Thursday, Virginia on Saturday, and yesterday met with three other members of the Obama cabinet in St. John's Parish, Louisiana to discuss a broad range of issues facing rural America.

When President Obama announced United We Serve, a summer service initiative to encourage all Americans to reach out in service to their neighbors and communities, he was very clear that the government acting alone can’t pull America through these hard economic times.

The Rural Tour is in full swing after eight successful events across America – and everyone is gearing up for a big weekend.

Secretary Vilsack is traveling today to La Crosse, Wisconsin alongside Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to discuss economic development for rural America.

Secretary Vilsack, accompanied by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, held a community forum in Wisconsin today to discuss economic development in rural America.

Secretary Vilsack spoke in New York on Tuesday at the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Yesterday, Secretary Tom Vilsack began the day with a speech to the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) annual convention. Vilsack discussed the partnership and connection between the Natural Resources Cconservation Service, UDSA and the SWCS, and thanked the members for their hard work as boots on the ground implementing conservation practices across the country. He noted the importance of showing landowners the economic as well as environmental benefits, and encouraging the audience to be proactive in educating clients about how USDA and conservation can work for them. Vilsack also announced $18.4 million in Conservation Innovation Grants to fund 55 projects in 34 states and the Caribbean Area.

If your new veggie garden is brown, rather than green, how about asking a Master Gardener for some help?

Vice President Biden, Secretary Sebelius, and I just concluded an event to announce the initial findings of the Food Safety Working Group. We were joined by a group of public health professionals and others interested in food safety.

Earlier this week, Secretary Vilsack rolled up his sleeves as part of the Obama administration's United We Serve summer service initiative by visiting the St. Agatha Family Empowerment Center in Chicago. Excited youngsters left a nearby playground and lined up as Secretary Vilsack helped serve lunches at the Center as part of the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program.