USDA to Buy $67M in Fresh U.S. Food for Food Banks

USDA Boosts Nutrition Aid with $67M Food Purchase

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced the USDA’s plan to purchase up to $67 million in fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables from American producers.

These purchases, made under Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935, will support food banks and nutrition assistance programs nationwide.

So far in the current fiscal year, USDA has already provided over $600 million in food purchases to benefit the charitable feeding network.

“These purchases deliver healthy, nutritious, American commodities to individuals and families in need," said Secretary Rollins. "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.”

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will oversee the procurement of these products, which include:

• Atlantic Groundfish - $20 million
• Canned Pears - $14 million
• Dried Sweet Cherries - $3 million
• Great Northern Beans - $14 million
• Pacific Pink Shrimp - $16 million

These USDA Foods are distributed through the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), including The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and are a key part of the national food safety net.

AMS will issue a pre-solicitation notice, and purchases will be guided by market analysis, food bank needs, and industry input. Vendors interested in participating can find more information on the AMS website under the “Selling Food to USDA” section. Future purchase requests using Section 32 funds will be evaluated on a rolling basis.