The USDA has announced that $2 billion will be devoted to food banks and school meal programs to overcome supply chain disruptions and higher food costs. An allocation of $500 million will be transferred from the Commodity Credit Corporation for school feeding.

Approximately $1 billion be used to purchase food for emergency distribution to food banks in addition to $500 million for the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement involving 49 states, 33 tribes and 4 territories.  The allocation to school meal programs represents the third round of the Supply Chain Assistance funding.  This is used by school districts to purchase fresh fruit, milk, cheese and hopefully eggs from local suppliers.

In announcing the funding, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack stated, “Funding these initiatives is paramount to the fight against hunger.”  He added, “We must ensure Americans have access to safe, healthy, and affordable food for longevity and optimal health.”