New Contracts to Help Keep USDA Food Box Full
July 2, 2020 Even though we’re now into the heat of summer, the impacts of coronavirus continue to persist. To help feed the need being felt by farmers and the local communities they serve, the USDA has approved up to $1.27 billion in extended contracts and up to $202 million in new contracts through its Farmers to Families Food Box Program.
In this second round of purchases, the USDA Food Box program will acquire $512 million in fresh fruits and vegetables, $288 million in a variety of dairy products, $233 million in meat products and $444 million in a combination box of fresh produce, dairy or meat products.
USDA previously announced it would extend contracts of select vendors from the first round of the program.
According to USDA, the decision to extend current contracts and the quantities extended under those contracts were determined based on a variety of factors such as contractor performance on this and other federal contracts, funds availability to the government, and the needs of the government. Additionally, some contracts were not extended at the vendors’ request or reduced based on information provided by the contractor.
USDA approved up to $202 million in new contracts, via a new acquisition activity, with select vendors whose offers were not previously accepted due to various issues in their proposals.
These distributors will help direct food to underserved areas and will have an increased focus on Opportunity Zones in order to direct food to reach underserved areas, places where either no boxes have yet been delivered, or where boxes are being delivered but where there is additional need.
USDA says it is preparing to announce additional opportunities for new vendors to participate in the program in the weeks to come. Stay tuned.
Click here to see a list of companies awarded new contracts as well as the ones receiving contract extensions.
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