USDA to Spend $472.5 Million Buying American Food for Aid Programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on Wednesday that it intends to spend up to $472.5 million purchasing domestic agricultural products. The funds will buy American-grown and American-raised commodities to distribute to the charitable food network and other nutrition assistance programs.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins stated that the agency is ensuring the hard work of farmers, ranchers, and fishermen is rewarded. She said the investment moves American milk, cheese, lentils, almonds, rice, and catfish from farms to those in need rather than allowing them to be wasted.

The department will use Section 32 authority for these purchases. This tool allows the USDA to direct funding to commodity markets during periods of imbalance. The agency aims to steady prices and assist producers facing economic hardship or sudden disruptions.

The purchases will reach producers in every region of the country. Funds will flow to pulse growers on the Northern Plains and in the Pacific Northwest. They will also go to tree nut, raisin, and citrus growers, as well as catfish farmers in the South.

Additional purchases will support rice growers, pork and poultry producers, and the West Coast’s Pacific whiting fleet. The USDA stated that every purchase supports the processors, packers, and haulers who move food from the farm to the table.

The Agricultural Marketing Service will buy specific commodities with designated budgets. Dairy products account for the largest share at $165.5 million. Pork will cost $41 million, followed by split peas at $37 million and almonds at $30 million.

Other items include lentils at $29 million, raisins at $25 million, and rice at $21 million. The department will also purchase chickpeas for $20 million, farm-raised catfish for $20 million, and chicken for $20 million. Smaller allocations cover hazelnuts, dried fruit mix, grapefruit, oranges, and Pacific whiting.