On April 17, USDA Secretary Perdue announced the purchase of up to $3 billion in agricultural commodities for interested farmers, food processors, food banks, and other interested partners.
The Agricultural Marketing Service’s Commodity Procurement Program will procure an estimated $100 million per month in fresh fruits and vegetables, $100 million per month in a variety of dairy products, and $100 million per month in meat products. The distributors and wholesalers will then provide a pre-approved box of fresh produce, dairy, and meat products to food banks, community and faith-based organizations, and other non-profits serving Americans in need.
Pennsylvania and its residents need you to participate now, more than ever. By participating in this program, you will get your products to market, help those in needs, and protect Pennsylvania’s agricultural economy. It is vital that you partner with organizations near you that can be found in the State Food Purchase County Lead Agency Directory or The Emergency Food Assistance Program County Lead Agency Directory.
Penn State Extension is also giving information on how to apply.
USDA is moving quickly on this program, applications are due by May 1st, 2020.
Below are the links to the RFP application and other important documents:
- RFP – ERAcquisition
- RFP Attachment 1 Emergency Aquisition MSCP
- RFP Attachment 2 Compilation of TEFAP sites for AMS
- USDA Webinar and Video