U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced details of $470 million in Section 32 food purchases to occur in the third quarter of fiscal year 2020, in addition to purchases previously announced, which will enable USDA to purchase surplus food for distribution to communities nationwide. These Section 32 purchases will provide additional support for producers and Americans in need, in response to changing market conditions caused by the COVID-19 national emergency.

“America’s farmers and ranchers have experienced a dislocated supply chain caused by the Coronavirus," said Secretary Perdue. "USDA is in the unique position to purchase these foods and deliver them to the hungry Americans who need it most.”

The Agricultural Marketing Service will purchase a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy and seafood products. Specific purchase amounts for produce are: asparagus, $5 million; orange juice, $25 million; pears, $5 million; potatoes, $50 million; prunes, $5 million; raisins, $15 million; strawberries, $35 million; sweet potatoes, $10 million; tart cherries, $20 million.

Purchases are determined by industry requests, market analysis and food bank needs. AMS will begin issuing solicitations in June and intends to begin deliveries in July.