From Farms to Food Banks: USDA Announces $263 Million Plan
A major USDA purchase initiative is set to support farmers and strengthen the food supply, with ripple effects for agriculture here in California and across the nation.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s intent to purchase up to 263 million dollars in dairy and agricultural products from American farmers and producers. These purchases fall under Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 and are designed to assist producers and communities in need. The Agricultural Marketing Service will buy commodities including butter at 75 million dollars, cheddar cheese and cheese products at 32.5 million, fresh fluid milk at 20.5 million, chickpeas, lentils, dried beans, split peas, walnuts, pecans, and fresh pears. These USDA Foods will support Food and Nutrition Service programs and food banks operating The Emergency Food Assistance Program, a key part of the nation’s food safety net.
Officials say the action supports American agriculture, rural communities, and nutrition assistance while turning farm harvests into meals for families in need.
