WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), has announced more than $61 million in new funding to expand nutrition services within Head Start programs nationwide.

The funding, distributed among more than 290 programs, is expected to support nutrition initiatives for over 100,000 children and families. According to HHS, the goal is to strengthen healthy eating habits and improve access to nutrient-dense foods in early childhood settings.

Examples of planned projects include interactive family education workshops in Michigan, farm-to-table kitchen renovations in Puerto Rico, and a hydroponic garden initiative in Florida. HHS noted that programs will allocate about half of the funds toward materials and equipment such as gardens and cooking demonstration kits, one-quarter toward kitchen upgrades and food service improvements, and one-quarter toward nutrition education and training.

Officials described the investment as part of the agency’s broader “Make America Healthy Again” strategy, which emphasizes preventive health measures. The supplemental funding will be implemented over the next 12 months, with long-term impacts intended to benefit Head Start families and communities.

A full list of grant recipients and award amounts is available through the Administration for Children and Families.