The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced its intent to purchase up to $263 million in dairy and agricultural products from American farmers and producers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country.
These purchases are being made through USDA’s authority under Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Section 32 and will assist producers and communities in need.
“From milk and dairy to fruits, legumes, and tree nuts, these staples are essential for feeding families and sustaining America’s agricultural economy,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins.
“Through these Section 32 purchases, USDA is delivering wholesome, real food to Americans while injecting critical dollars into local economies. By turning harvests into meals, we are not only stabilizing farm income and protecting rural jobs.”
AMS continuously purchases a variety of domestically produced and processed agricultural products. These “USDA Foods” are provided to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition assistance programs, including food banks that operate The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and are a vital component of the nation’s food safety net.
USDA AMS will purchase commodities including butter, cheddar cheese and cheese products, Swiss cheese, fresh fluid milk, chickpeas, dried black and pinto beans, fresh pears, lentils, pecans split peas and walnuts.