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Minnesota Congressman disappointed USDA is ending Food Box Program
A Republican member of the House Agriculture Committee is disappointed USDA is discontinuing the Farmers to Families Food Box Program.
Jim Hagedorn of Minnesota tells Brownfield he witnessed first-hand how the program worked.
“Over 157 million units of fresh produce, milk, dairy, cooked meats, you name it, going to folks who have been disadvantaged across the country. And (there were) a lot of people that needed extra help, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. So I’m concerned with it and disappointed.”
Ag Secretary Vilsack recently announced the Food Box program would not be a part of food security relief efforts going forward, saying it had numerous problems.
Hagedorn says House Ag Committee Republicans had no advanced notice.
“Secretary Vilsack and the Democrats didn’t even bother to tell us, we had to learn about it in the press. And this is kind of another example of a program that’s working on behalf of the American people, a policy that is now being undermined and cancelled out simply I think because it was President Trump’s idea.”
Vilsack says USDA is developing a produce food box program as a replacement.
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When & where are the fresh fruits and Vegs boxes handle in the Northern Mn area or Majnomen
Many of the food boxes had outdated product in them. It was not a good reflection on our government to be passing out this outdated food . I believe the program is not being done away with , but being improved , much like some of the older food assistance programs .