UNITED STATES - USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, alongside the federal government, recently announced an additional $1 billion commitment to the Farmers to Families Food Box Program, extending the program beyond its former October end-date. Following the announcement, leaders from the United Fresh Produce Association and Produce Marketing Association (PMA) released official statements for their members.

“We commend the Administration for taking this important step to continue this win-win-win program for farmers, distributors, and families in need,” said United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel.

According to the associations’ statements, the Farmers to Families program has delivered more than 70 million boxes of food to families in need. The program is funded through the CARES Act and enables farmers and distributors to route fruits, vegetables, and other fresh products to families in need. USDA is currently accepting applications for the third round of funding. For additional details on applying and the program as a whole, click here.

The announcement was made during a presidential visit to Flavor 1st Growers and Packers in River Mills, North Carolina. This longtime PMA member is a contractor for the Farmers to Families Food Box Program, providing much needed nutritious food to members of its community through thoughtful partnerships.

“PMA applauds the commitment from the administration to extend funding to the program and will share more details about the program as they become available,” wrote Richard Owen, Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Team Lead at PMA.

As we all continue to traverse the challenging path that COVID-19 has laid, keep checking in with AndNowUKnow for the latest updates.

United Fresh Produce Association Produce Marketing Association