FMI Supports the Conclusion of the USDA Food Box Program

FMI Applauds USDA’s Commitment to Ending Hunger and Food Waste in America

ARLINGTON, VA – As the food industry association, FMI today applauds and shares the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) commitment to mitigating hunger and food waste in America and supports with the agency’s reported decision to conclude the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. FMI Vice President of Political Affairs Hannah Walker offered the following comments:

“The Farmers to Families Food Box program was originally created to identify excess commodities and deliver them to those in need. While the Farmers to Families Food Box Program may be ending, there is still work to be done. In my comments during a March 22 virtual, public meeting hosted by USDA, I proposed pilots as alternative solutions to the USDA food box program that would instead foster partnerships and innovation via different models.

“The food industry has worked throughout this national emergency to redistribute products that were originally intended for restaurants and other food service outlets and redirect them to the grocery aisles – all while maintaining necessary food safety and labeling requirements. These experiences offered some valuable insights and lessons learned that could be used in future pilots.

“We commend Secretary Tom Vilsack and the agency’s commitment to addressing hunger in America. As with other successful public-private programs, it will require all parties working together toward the common goal to solve hunger challenges and mitigate food waste.”

For media:

• FMI Comments re: Food Purchase Program on March 31, 2021