(Washington, D.C., April 17, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the launch of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), a vital initiative by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) designed to provide critical food assistance to farmers, ranchers, and consumers facing unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 national emergency. President Trump directed the USDA to develop this impactful $19 billion relief program to bolster the agricultural sector, maintain the strength of our national food supply chain, and ensure that all Americans have consistent access to the nutritious food they need during this crisis.
“During this challenging time for our nation, President Trump and the USDA are fully committed to supporting our farmers, ranchers, and all citizens, ensuring their well-being and access to essential resources,” stated Secretary Perdue. “The American food supply chain has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. It remains safe, secure, and robust, a testament to the dedication of America’s farmers and ranchers. This comprehensive program delivers immediate relief to these hardworking individuals and facilitates the purchase and distribution of America’s abundant agricultural products to assist our fellow citizens who are experiencing food insecurity.”
This significant food assistance program, CFAP, will strategically utilize funding and authorities granted under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES), the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), and other existing USDA authorities. CFAP is structured around two core components to effectively address the multifaceted impacts of the pandemic.
Direct Financial Support for Farmers and Ranchers Facing Economic Hardship
A cornerstone of the CFAP program is providing $16 billion in direct financial support to farmers and ranchers. This direct food assistance is meticulously calculated based on actual financial losses experienced by agricultural producers who have been severely affected by price declines and disruptions in market supply chains. These disruptions, stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, have created significant challenges, including lost demand and short-term oversupply throughout the 2020 marketing year. The financial aid aims to help producers navigate these turbulent market conditions and manage additional adjustment and marketing costs incurred due to the pandemic’s economic fallout.
USDA’s Strategic Purchase and Distribution of Agricultural Products for Those in Need
Recognizing the immediate need for food assistance among vulnerable populations, the USDA is committing $3 billion to a large-scale purchase and distribution program. The USDA will collaborate closely with regional and local food distributors, many of whom have seen their workforce and operations significantly impacted by the widespread closures of restaurants, hotels, and other crucial food service entities. This partnership will enable the procurement of $100 million per month in fresh fruits and vegetables, $100 million per month in diverse dairy products, and $100 million per month in high-quality meat products.
These procured food items will be meticulously assembled into pre-approved boxes containing a variety of fresh produce, dairy, and meat. These food assistance boxes will then be efficiently distributed through established networks of food banks, community-based organizations, faith-based charities, and other non-profit organizations dedicated to serving Americans facing food insecurity. This initiative ensures that nutritious food reaches those who need it most during this critical time.
Beyond these primary CFAP initiatives, the USDA is proactively leveraging additional funding sources to further enhance food assistance efforts and ensure comprehensive support for those in need.
- Section 32 Funding for Food Banks: The USDA has access to up to an additional $873.3 million through Section 32 funding. These funds will be strategically deployed to purchase a wide array of agricultural products specifically for distribution to food banks nationwide. The allocation of these resources will be guided by industry requests, in-depth USDA agricultural market analysis, and a thorough assessment of the evolving needs of food banks across the country.
- FFCRA and CARES Act Support for Food Banks: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the CARES Act have allocated at least $850 million to bolster food bank operations and facilitate USDA food purchases. A minimum of $600 million of this funding is specifically designated for direct food purchases. These funds will be strategically utilized based on the demonstrated needs of food banks and the availability of essential food products, ensuring efficient and effective food assistance distribution.
Detailed information regarding program eligibility criteria, payment rates, application procedures, and further implementation details will be released by the USDA in the near future. Farmers, ranchers, and individuals seeking food assistance are encouraged to monitor the USDA website for these crucial updates.
USDA’s Ongoing Commitment to Food Security During COVID-19
The launch of CFAP is part of the USDA’s broader, ongoing commitment to ensuring food security and stability throughout the COVID-19 national emergency. The department has taken decisive actions to ensure children and families have access to nutritious meals during widespread school closures and job losses. Furthermore, the USDA has implemented increased flexibilities and extensions within its existing farm programs to proactively safeguard the U.S. food supply chain and maintain its resilience during these unprecedented times. These efforts underscore the USDA’s dedication to providing comprehensive food assistance and support to all sectors of the agricultural community and the American public.
Supporting Kids and Families Through Food Assistance Programs
Actions to Maintain a Resilient Food Supply Chain
A Government-Wide Response for Rural America
For comprehensive information about the USDA’s initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic and to access available resources, please visit www.usda.gov/coronavirus.
USDA is dedicated to being an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
