(NAFB.com) – USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl  Torres Small announced that the agency is partnering with Reinvestment Fund to help improve access to healthy foods in underserved communities. The partnership will help strengthen local food financing programs. “No matter where you live across America, you should be able to get affordable, fresh, and healthy food,” Torres Small says. “We’re working to strengthen local and regional food systems so affordable locally grown foods are available closer to home.” She also says USDA is proud to partner with Reinvestment Fund so even more people can find good food options anywhere they live, all while supporting local farmers and ranchers. Reinvestment Fund has selected 16 public-private partnerships to receive $40.3 million in grants under the Healthy Food Financing Initiative. It will help expand access to nutritious and affordable foods in up to 20 states and Washington, D.C. For more information on the partnerships, go to usda.gov.