April 20, 2020 – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue has announced $19 billion in assistance for food banks and farmers through the CARES Act.
Highlights of the $19 billion Coronavirus Food Assistance Program include:
Help for Local Food Banks
- $3 billion in purchases of agriculture products, including meat, dairy and produce to support producers and provide food to those in need. USDA will work with local food and regional distributors to deliver food to food banks, as well as community and faith-based organizations to provide food to those in need.
- Will begin with the procurement of an estimated $100 million per month in fresh fruits and vegetables, $100 million per month in a variety of dairy products, and $100 million per month in meat products (i.e. $300 million per month total).
- Additionally, USDA has up to $873.3 million available in Section 32 funding to purchase a variety of agricultural products for distribution to food banks. The use of these funds will be determined by industry requests, USDA agricultural market analysis, and food bank needs.
Direct Assistance for Farmers
- $16 billion in direct payments for farmers and ranchers, funded using the $9.5 billion emergency program secured in the CARES Act and $6.5 billion remaining in Credit Commodity Corporation (CCC) funding.
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis said “Our area food banks have been overwhelmed with people in need and they need our help to keep up with increased demand until people can safely return to work,” said Davis. “I look forward to working with our local food banks and the USDA to make sure they are receiving the help they need. Additionally, this funding will ensure our food supply remains steady by helping farmers who have taken a major hit during this pandemic.”
