The $3 billion USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program was established as an emergency measure to salvage produce to be distributed to families impacted by COVID-19.  The program uses third- party contractors to assemble boxes for delivery to food banks and non-profit organizations. The USDA signed agreements valued at $1.3 billion in May.

To date, five million boxes have been delivered to Americans most in need across the nation. It is anticipated that by the end of June, 40 million boxes will have been distributed given the enthusiastic response by community and faith-based organizations.

The program has come under scrutiny following reports that companies with no experience in handling produce were granted contracts, resulting in cancellation of agreements totaling $40 million.

The Chairpersons of three House Agriculture subcommittees addressed a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Dr. Sonny Perdue on May 22nd, noting that unqualified companies received contracts and that funding to date has been disproportionately allocated, disfavoring the Northeast.