DeLauro Disappointed by USDA TEFAP Produce Contract Awards

WASHINGTON – House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) released the following statement after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced contract awards for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) Fresh Produce Initiative:

"The COVID-19 pandemic has exploited our country's hunger and nutrition crises and demonstrated the need to make healthy, nutritious foods more accessible, especially for low-income communities. At the same time, local farmers faced a year of decreased demand and market disruption, and they deserve real support. USDA's fresh produce purchasing can accomplish both of these goals.

"Yet, I am disappointed by today's announcement which fails to meet the existing need for healthy and fresh foods, nor does it prioritize purchases from local food systems. I strongly believe we must reimagine USDA procurement, abandon its low-cost model, and leverage it as a powerful tool to drive change by investing in the family farmers and local producers who feed their communities. I look forward to continuing to work with Secretary Vilsack to advance this priority."