U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) plan to purchase up to $67 million in fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables from domestic producers. These products will be distributed to food banks and nutrition assistance programs nationwide. The purchases are part of Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935, aimed at assisting both producers and communities in need. So far this fiscal year, USDA has made over $600 million in purchases benefiting the charitable feeding network.
“These purchases deliver healthy, nutritious, American commodities to individuals and families in need. At a time when President Trump and his cabinet are working to Making America Healthy Again, USDA is proud to play a role in supporting those in need by providing access to the safest and highest quality fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood in the world,” said Secretary Rollins.
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) regularly buys various domestically produced agricultural products as authorized by Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935. These "USDA Foods" are supplied to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition assistance programs like The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), forming an essential part of the nation's food safety net.
USDA AMS plans to purchase $67 million worth of commodities including Atlantic Groundfish for $20 million, Canned Pears for $14 million, Dried Sweet Cherries for $3 million, Great Northern Beans for $14 million, and Pacific Pink Shrimp for $16 million.
