After seeing the food production facilities at Welfare Square — a tour that included samples of cheddar cheese and chocolate milk — the U.S. secretary of agriculture said his agency could benefit from studying how Utah and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints helps those in need.
“The USDA could learn some lessons from Welfare Square on how to help people,” said Sonny Perdue, adding that he admired the collaboration in workforce training that takes place among the state’s government leaders, private businesses and the faith-based community.
Self-sufficiency and independence “through the dignity of work and providing for one’s family instead of relying on social services" should be the goal for the whole country, he said.