While poverty is a rural, suburban and urban challenge, the reality is that nearly 85 percent of American's persistent poverty counties are in rural areas. USDA's StrikeForce for Rural Growth and Opportunity Initiative works to address the unique set of challenges faced by many of America's rural communities. Through StrikeForce, USDA is leveraging resources and collaborating with partners and stakeholders to improve economic opportunity and quality of life in these areas.
In April 2015, Puerto Rico joined 21 states receiving targeted assistance from USDA to address rural poverty. StrikeForce teams have facilitated collaboration with more than 500 community partners and public entities to bring targeted assistance to these areas. Through StrikeForce efforts, USDA has invested over $16.5 billion to date in specific efforts to stimulate chronic rural economies.
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