Food bank revenue surges: The 300 largest U.S. food banks saw a 37 percent increase in revenue, which includes food as well as monetary donations, in 2021, reflecting the need for food assistance beyond the Covid pandemic. (Food Bank News)
Rail contract rejected again: The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen was the second union to turn down a proposed contract with U.S. freight railroads, rejecting the package on a 3-to-2 vote and increasing the chances of a strike in November. (CNN)
Free school meals: The Senate Agriculture Committee should expand eligibility and funding for the community eligibility provision, which allows schools in low-income neighborhoods to serve meals for free to all students, said a coalition of anti-hunger, education, consumer, medical, and parents groups. (FRAC)
Grants for urban ag: The USDA awarded $14.2 million in grants for 52 projects that support urban agriculture and innovative production, including an aeroponic farm in the Florida Keys and training in urban agriculture for refugees in Idaho. (USDA)
Emperor penguin declared threatened: The tallest and heaviest penguin species, the emperor, was listed as threatened with extinction because of the impact of climate change on sea ice, where the penguin spends most of its life. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)