How will USDA assistance to food banks help farmers?

by | Apr 27, 2020 | 5 Ag Stories, News

We have been talking over a week about the $19 billion package from the Trump Administration and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Many farmers have been listening intently to how $16 billion is being sent out as direct assistance payments to farmers who are seeing their markets plummet and their supplies backed up during this pandemic. However, not much has been discussed on how the other part of this works. How does the last $3 billion help farmers?

The remaining money allocated by the USDA will be used to make commodity purchases for food banks and other distribution centers. This will help the growing demand by food banks for help. American Farm Bureau Federation Economist Megan Nelson says it is a win-win for food banks and farmers who need to see these commodities purchased and moving.

USDA will be partnering with regional distributors to make purchases of dairy, meat, and fresh produce.

With the shift for at-home consumption of food products, compared with eating out; the demand for these products is even higher. The USDA program will allow food distributors to provide boxes of the essential food items that families are needing to get through this difficult time.

Those who are able, are being encouraged to continue making food and monetary donations to help food banks combat the hunger situation around the country. Millions are out of work or on reduced salaries and could use the assistance these programs provide. Contact your local food banks and see what you can do for them today. We have enough to worry about without having to worry if our family has something to eat today.