Secretary Rollins Announces $30M Food Purchase to Back U.S. Producers and Strengthen America’s Food Supply

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.

(U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Washington, D.C., November 24, 2025) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) intent to purchase up to $30 million in fresh fruit from American farmers and producers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country. These purchases are being made through the USDA’s authority under Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 and will assist producers and communities in need. With this action, the Trump Administration is bolstering American prosperity by supporting American agriculture, rural communities, and those in need of nutrition assistance.

“President Trump is standing with America’s farmers, especially right now, while the farm economy recovers from years of neglect under the last administration. Certain commodities are experiencing a surplus, and USDA is ensuring these crops do not go to waste and instead go to Americans in need across the country,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “These fresh fruits will reach those in need, boosting healthier options for Americans at food banks across the country, all while benefitting American farmers facing unfair actions from foreign competitors.”

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 $30 million of the following commodities:

  • Fresh Oranges: $15M
  • Grapefruit: $10M
  • Mandarins: $5M

###

Press release provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Related Stories
FarmHER Katharine Girone is a fifth-generation Illinois farmer and the 2018 #RootedInAg contest winner.
farmher shannon latham in with a class of children infront of a school bus 12277608-g.png
Shannon Latham
See how FarmHER Shannon Latham grew a kids 4H project into a thriving seasonal pumpkin patch in rural Iowa.
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences recently opened its newest research and education center, once operated by the USDA.
Researchers in Florida are a step closer to finding a possible cure for citrus canker.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

For many farm businesses, property taxes on business assets have become a significant and highly visible expense, threatening liquidity, discouraging investment, and creating a disproportionate burden when compared to other industries.
Ethanol markets remain mixed — weaker production and blend rates are being partially balanced by stronger exports as winter demand patterns take shape.
Tariff relief may soften grocery prices, but it also intensifies competition for U.S. fruit, vegetable, and beef producers as cheaper imports regain market share.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is helping connect veterans with resources to pursue careers in farming and agriculture.
USMEF’s Jay Theiler discusses his leadership role in representing U.S. beef and pork and provides an update on this week’s conference in Indianapolis.
Manure from a hog farm is more than just waste; it is also becoming a key renewable resource for operations.