During September and October, the USDA will purchase fresh produce, dairy and meat products for inclusion in food boxes under the Farmers to Families program devised at short notice by Secretary of Agriculture, Dr. Sonny Perdue.  The remainder of the $3 billion originally authorized for the program will be expended during the third round.  USDA claims to have delivered 50 million boxes through contractors to food banks and non-profit distribution centers.

The program has engendered criticism from Democrat members of the House Agriculture Subcommittee relating to inadequate supervision and records. It is noted that the program has benefitted the needy and prevented waste of perishable products occasioned by disruption of conventional supply chains by COVID-19.