USDA covers possible gap in food box program between rounds
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is extending contracts in the Farmers to Families Food Box Program to prevent a gap while third-round contracts are approved.
The second round of boxes to food banks expires Aug. 31; the extending contracts to Sept. 18 for companies that opt to continue, according to a news release.
The extension allows the department to make plans for another $1 billion to the program, which President Donald Trump announced on Aug. 24. The box program, which funds the purchase and distribution of produce, dairy products, fluid milk and cooked meats to non-profits and food banks, started in mid-May with an original allocation of $3 billion.
More than 75 million boxes have been distributed as of Aug. 27.
“These extensions will ensure adequate capacity for food box distribution as USDA plans to incorporate the additional funding,” according to the release. “USDA continues to review proposals received for the upcoming third round, and will issue additional agreements in the near future, with subsequent contracts to deliver food boxes the remainder of September and through October 31.”
In an e-mail alert to members, the United Fresh Produce Association said round three contracts are expected to be announced in mid-September. The USDA has posted a list of Basic Ordering Agreements (BOAs) that have been approved.
The BOAs, which were not required in the first two rounds of contracts, are sort of a pre-approval before contracts are awarded. A BOA lists sub-contractors that will be used, a verification that contract holders will be responsible for delivering boxes directly to consumers, and other details.
Third-round contracts also place a high priority on serving areas designated as Opportunity Zones, where previous rounds didn’t adequately cover needs.
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