Vilsack Wants To Bring Back “Strike Force”

During his time as Ag Secretary during the Obama Administration, Tom Vilsack created a program of focused economic help, "for communities that have been dealing with persistent poverty for far too long". Vilsack called the effort, "Strike Force." 

Now that he's leading the USDA again, "we propose the re-establishment of the "Strike Force," designed to specifically focus on areas where poverty has been so persistent and so deep. Trying to eradicate the root causes of poverty in those communities."

Vilsack said impoverished communities often don't have the knowledge or experience to apply for available federal assistance programs.

"Work with a community-building organization that is trusted, be able to identify the problems that the community has to address, and then be able to work through the system to make sure that they receive benefits."

Vilsack noted the effort would target 380 counties nationwide where poverty has been consistent for over 30 years. 

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