Secretary Rollins Announces Local Food Purchases for Communities in Need

Washington, D.C., Aug. 1, 2025 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) intent to purchase up to $230 million in fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables from American farmers and producers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country. These purchases are being made through Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 and will assist producers and communities in need. Fiscal year to date, USDA has provided more than $924 million in purchases, all which benefit the charitable feeding network. This is one of many actions USDA has taken to support smaller scale family farmers and producers. The Trump Administration is working to increase America’s economic prosperity and that includes the success of our farmers and ranchers.

“Today’s announcement continues to prioritize American commodities for families and communities in need. On the eve of the Great American Farmers Market, USDA is proud to play a role in not only connecting smaller, local farmers to families, but doing its part to Make America Healthy Again,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “This is yet another action by President Trump to improve the livelihoods of the American people. The Trump Administration has delivered historic tax cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill, boosted the farm safety net, and is ensuring American agriculture will be strong, secure, and resilient for generations to come.”

Agricultural Marketing Service Section 32 Purchases

On an ongoing basis, AMS purchases a variety of domestically produced and processed agricultural products as authorized by Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935. These “USDA Foods” are provided to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition assistance programs, including food banks that operate The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and are a vital component of the nation’s food safety net.

USDA AMS will purchase $230 million of the following commodities:

• Alaska Pollock: $100M
• Dried Cranberries: $25M
• Dry Beans: $50M (Black $16M | Pinto $13M | Kidney $10M | Navy $3M | Great Northern $6M | Small Red $2M)
• Farm-Raised Catfish: $20M
• Fresh Apples: $35M

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