The USDA is investing $1.7 billion for purchasing local and regionally produced foods and domestically produced foods for emergency food assistance.  These investments, made possible by the Commodity Credit Corporation, will help American producers by ensuring they have the certainty of access to local and regional markets as well as the financial benefits that come with selling directly to institutions.  With these purchases, USDA is at the same time ensuring schools, childcare facilities, and emergency food providers have access to healthy foods.

 

“These investments provide immediate and long-term assistance to American farmers, families, and communities,” says Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack. By delivering food from domestic producers to schools, child care facilities, and emergency feeding organizations, we’re securing local and regional markets for those farmers and ensuring that students, young children, and neighbors in need are getting nutritious and reliable meals.”

 

Learn more about the Food Support Program by visiting the USDA's Website.

 

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com 

More From PNW Ag Network