On July 17, USDA is proudly unveiling the 2.0 version of the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass, a digital resource detailing USDA’s involvement in local and regional food. The Compass highlights USDA’s wide-ranging investments in local food development; showcases inspiring local food success stories from around the country; and features an interactive map. The 2.0 Version of the map has over 15,000 data points, including USDA-funded local food projects in all 50 states, farmers markets, food hubs, wholesale markets, meat processing facilities, and other critical information about local food’s imprint from coast to coast.

On Tuesday, July 17 at 3 pm ET, the USDA and the White House will host a Google+ Hangout with USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan, White House Director of Office of Public Engagement Jon Carson and six women leaders – producers, small business owners, and others – to explore local foods through the voices of women. This virtual event can be viewed on http://www.whitehouse.gov/live or on the White House Google+ home page live at 3pm ET. Watch the event and participate by sending twitter questions via #KYF2 or #WHHangout or on the White House Google+ page.

On Tuesday, July 24 at 1:30 ET, you’re invited to join USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan for a follow-up Twitter chat about local and regional food. You can ask her questions directly using #KYF2 or #ASKUSDA.