USDA Plans Up to $472.5 Million in Food Purchases for Assistance Programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Thursday that it intends to buy up to $472.5 million in American-grown and American-raised food for distribution through the charitable food network and other nutrition assistance programs.

The plan includes purchases of dairy products, rice, pulses, fruit, nuts, fish, pork and chicken. USDA described the purchases as a way to support domestic producers while providing food to people who need assistance.

Dairy accounts for the largest planned allocation, at $165.5 million. Other amounts include $41 million for pork, $37 million for split peas, $30 million for almonds, $29 million for lentils and $25 million for raisins.

The announced list also includes $22 million for hazelnuts, $21 million for rice, and $20 million each for chickpeas, farm-raised catfish and chicken. Pacific whiting is allocated $12 million, while dried fruit mix, grapefruit and oranges are each listed at $10 million.

The purchases will be made through the Agricultural Marketing Service using Section 32 authority. USDA says the program helps support agricultural markets during periods of imbalance while supplying domestically produced and processed foods to nutrition programs.

Thursday's announcement is an intent to purchase, not a statement that all contracts have been completed or that the food has already been delivered. The department said the effort is intended to benefit producers, food processors and the charitable distribution network.