BISHOP FIGHTS FOR FARMERS AND FOOD SECURITY

COLUMBUS, GA – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, released the following statement regarding the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farmers to Families Food Box program:

"Since the coronavirus pandemic began, farmers have had their usual markets disrupted or even eliminated entirely, as we have seen with restaurant closures. The demand for food was still there, but producers were not able to repackage their products for individual consumers. That coupled with supply chain issues and worker illness led to food spoiling at the farm. We were left with food insecurity for consumers and farmers who were losing paychecks.

"I am pleased to say we addressed this issue in the Families First Act and the CARES Act by allocating $16 billion to deliver direct relief to America's farmers and $3 billion for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to purchase and distribute food to families in need. I am hopeful these payments and purchases will help farmers, big and small, keep their operations running during this crisis and feed our country."

Beginning May 26th through August 28th, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), will be accepting applications from agricultural producers who have suffered losses.

More information on the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program and the Farmers to Families Food Box program can be found here.