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AFBF, Feeding America asks USDA to consider program to meet food bank needs

American Farm Bureau and Feeding America are asking the USDA to implement a voucher program that would allow farmers and food banks to work together to get food from farms to food bank shelves.

In a letter to Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue, AFBF and Feeding America say increased demand can be met by redirecting supply from farmers through a USDA-run voucher system. They say this would allow farmers to quickly get food to families in need and help prevent food waste.

Feeding America says food banks are facing increased demand and reduced inventory because of the coronavirus pandemic. A recent survey of its member food banks shows that 98 percent are facing increased demand for food assistance and 37 percent reported an immediate critical funding shortfall.