Chad Smith, NAFB News Service

The USDA says it has authorized $500 million for the fourth round of purchases for the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program. As in the third round, states in the program have been allocated a certain number of boxes based on the internal needs of each state. The program will continue the purchase of combination boxes to include fresh produce, dairy products, fluid milk, and meat products. The program will continue to require that proposals illustrate how coverage would be provided to areas identified as opportunity zones. “I’m gratified by the overwhelmingly positive response to the Farms to Families Food Box Program from families, distributors, food banks, faith-based organizations, and non-profits across the country,” says Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue. “We recently surpassed 110 million boxes delivered, and millions more are headed to Americans in need. I’m very happy that we can extend this program and continue our relief efforts for American farmers and families.” The agency will award contracts for the fourth round by October 30, while deliveries of food boxes will run from November 1 through December 31.