USDA Announces $2.2 Billion in Food Distribution Purchases

WASHINGTON, DC – While many in agriculture have been focused on the recently announced Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), USDA has been working to implement the Food Purchase and Distribution Program. This program was established in the fiscal year 2019 to assist U.S. producers that had been unfairly targeted by retaliatory trade barriers and tariffs. Under the program, USDA buys food products produced on American farms through approved vendors. To date, USDA has announced total purchases of more than $2.2 billion of meat, fruits, vegetables, specialty crops, and dairy products. In addition, USDA believes they are on target to reach a fiscal year goal of $1.4 billion in trade mitigation purchases prior to September 30, 2020. Most of the food purchased is provided to states for distribution to nutrition assistance programs.
(SOURCE: USDA)