USDA Distributes Over 100 Million Food Boxes in Support of Farmers

More than 100 million food boxes have been distributed in support of American farmers and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through the USDA’s Farmers to Families Food Box Program.

“It is incredible to think that in a little more than five months, this food box program has gone from an idea to a reality that has provided more than 100 million boxes of nutritious foods to people in need and along the way has helped to keep farmers and ranchers in business and allowed Americans working in our nation’s food supply chain to get back to work,” said Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue in a release on Tuesday. 

In this third round of purchases, USDA is purchasing combination boxes to ensure all recipient organizations have access to fresh produce, dairy products, fluid milk and meat products. 

“I have been meeting with food banks and recipients across the country and it’s been heartening to hear all the positive feedback on how the program has saved businesses and fed Americans in need. We are now into the third round of deliveries and we’re working harder than ever to continue to build on the success of the program,” Perdue said in a release.

USDA announced earlier this month that it had entered into contracts with 50 entities for the third round of food box deliveries, which include contracts to purchase up to $1 billion authorized by President Donald J. Trump, according to the release.

“The people here at the food bank and food shelves are passionate folks looking out for members of our community most in need…Our producers are who makes this food possible in order to be distributed to those in need,” said U.S. Rep. Jim Hagedorn, R-Minn.

Watch this video to learn more.

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