Section 32 purchase supports producers nationwide and helps ensure neighbors have access to nutritious food
Feeding America is grateful to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Secretary Brooke Rollins for the announced plan to purchase up to $472.5 million in American-grown food through Section 32 authority, supporting farmers nationwide while helping ensure neighbors facing hunger have access to nutritious food.
The purchase includes $21 million in rice supported by Feeding America earlier this month, as well as dairy, pork, chicken, lentils, almonds, catfish and more, reaching producers in every region and giving them an important outlet for their products. It also puts nutritious food on the tables of neighbors facing hunger through the Feeding America network of food banks, pantries and community partners.
“Thank you to USDA and Secretary Rollins for the volume and variety of products that will make their way from American farmers to neighbors. Strong farmers mean a stronger food system,” said Rebeckah Freeman Adcock, chief government relations officer at Feeding America. “This purchase gives farmers an important outlet for their products while providing the Feeding America network with nutritious food to distribute to neighbors facing hunger nationwide. Feeding America is proud to work alongside American farmers and we look forward to continuing to work with USDA to support future timely purchases like this that benefit American farmers.”
Section 32 purchases are one of USDA’s most direct tools for supporting farmers when markets are tight. They help stabilize agricultural markets and support the rural jobs that move food from farm to table. These foods connect American farmers with neighbors facing hunger through food banks, food pantries and other emergency feeding organizations. Over 20% of the food distributed through Feeding America network members and local hunger-relief programs comes from TEFAP.
“On behalf of the U.S. rice industry, we applaud Secretary Brooke Rollins, Under Secretary Dudley Hoskins and Administrator Erin Morris for making this significant Section 32 rice purchase,” said Peter Bachmann, USA Rice President & CEO. “This commitment will provide support for the domestic rice market, while providing a nutritious, versatile, shelf-stable staple to Americans participating in federal nutrition assistance programs. We thank our federal partners for exercising their Section 32 authority and look forward to working with them to implement this purchase commitment.”
Last year, the Feeding America network provided 7.2 billion pounds of food to neighbors across the country. That reach can move the food purchases efficiently to communities nationwide. Feeding America looks forward to continuing to work with USDA on future timely Section 32 purchases that support farmers and strengthen community nutrition.
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About Feeding America
Rooted in the voices of neighbors facing hunger, Feeding America unites the country ensuring everyone has access to food and a thriving future. We support tens of millions of people as part of a nationwide network of 250+ food banks, 20+ statewide food bank associations, 10+ regional co-ops and 60,000+ agency partners, food pantries and meal programs. Powered by leaders and volunteers embedded in local communities, we are one of the nation’s most effective food distribution systems driving immediate impact today—and a catalyst for long-term change through advocating for legislation that improves food security and work to address its factors. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations and supporters united with the unwavering commitment to provide nourishing food and work to end hunger at its roots so everyone can live fuller, healthier lives. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.