USDA to Purchase $30 Million in Fresh Fruit to Support Farmers and Combat Food Insecurity

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced its intention to procure up to $30 million worth of fresh fruit from American producers. This initiative, funded through Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935, aims to support American farmers facing market surpluses and bolster the nation’s food supply by distributing the fruit to food banks and nutrition assistance programs. The action is intended to assist both agricultural producers and communities in need, thereby fostering economic prosperity and improving access to healthy food options nationwide.

The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will be responsible for these purchases, acquiring specific commodities that are currently experiencing surplus. The allocated funds will be distributed among three types of fresh fruit: $15 million for fresh oranges, $10 million for grapefruit, and $5 million for mandarins. These domestically produced goods, designated as “USDA Foods,” are a key component of the nation’s food safety net. They are distributed through USDA nutrition assistance programs, including The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which serves individuals and families through a network of food banks. This measure is designed to prevent valuable crops from going to waste while simultaneously addressing nutritional needs within American communities. The initiative underscores a commitment to supporting American agriculture, particularly as the sector navigates economic recovery.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture

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