WALB is working to produce a video for this story. In the meantime, we encourage you to watch our livestream.

ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to reinstate funding for the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission’s Childcare Access and Nutrition Systems (CANS) Program.

The USDA/CANS cooperative agreement was canceled earlier this year.

WALB previously reported that the CANS program aimed to enhance food systems in Dougherty and Upson counties by:

• Reducing food insecurity through boosting local food production and supporting sustainable farming initiatives
• Expanding community-based food assistance programs to improve food access for vulnerable residents
• Creating a foundation for improved health outcomes tied to food security and availability

The CANS program also aimed to increase childcare access by:

• Expanding affordable childcare options to meet the needs of local families, thereby supporting workforce participation
• Reducing monthly childcare costs and increasing the number of facilities and childcare choices for local residents

Sen. Ossoff wrote a letter to the USDA asking for the program’s funding to be reinstated in both Dougherty and Upson counties.

“[The CANS] Grant Program aimed to advance regional food and childcare systems by supporting local organizations that work towards expanding access to childcare facilities and healthy foods. The Department [of Agriculture]’s decision not only hurts Georgians; it directly contradicts the Department’s stated goals of helping rural America thrive, and promoting agricultural production that better nourishes Americans.”

WALB will continue to follow this story and keep you updated on air online.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2025 WALB. All rights reserved.