On April 23rd the USDA announced increased food assistance to low-income seniors many of whom have been severely impacted by COVID.  Approximately $37 million will be added to the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).  Tribal nations will receive funding from the American Rescue Plan for Seniors.

In making the announcement, Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack stated, "the COVID pandemic has exacerbated the hunger crisis in America, but help is on the way".  He added, "by expanding the reach of CSFP and providing additional support to the states and tribes that administer the program USDA is helping ensure that no senior has to worry where their next meal will come from".

The CSFP provides domestically-grown foods to low-income citizens over the age of 60.

Recent action taken by USDA to relieve food insecurity include:

• A 15 percent increase in SNAP benefits amounting to $1.1 billion per month assisting 41 million participants through September 2021
• Adding $1.1 billion in funding for territories that operate nutrition assistance block grants benefiting three million Americans
• Expanding P-EBT, serving 8.4 million families with children
• Funding meals for homeless young adults through the Child and Adult Care Food Program
• Adding $900 million to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children including fruit and vegetable vouchers that will help 6.2 million citizens and especially benefit infants and young children.

Since expenditure on food subsidized and made possible through USDA programs involves discretionary purchases, the American Egg Board should consider promoting the nutritional value and low cost of generic eggs to the demographic receiving SNAP and other assistance programs.