Etheridge Praises U.S.D.A.'s Purchase Of Turkey And Pork To Aid Farmers And Families In Need

Press Release

Etheridge Praises U.S.D.A.'s Purchase Of Turkey And Pork To Aid Farmers And Families In Need

U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) today praised a recent decision by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to purchase an additional $48 million more in turkey breast and pork products for the current fiscal year. The decision will help augment food and nutrition assistance programs across the country.

“The U.S. Department of Agriculture is taking the right steps to sustain a vital industry to North Carolina and support our communities, schools, food banks, and economy,” said Etheridge. “These purchases will help to provide high-quality, nutritious food to recipients of USDA's nutrition programs, while also assisting local turkey and pork producers.”

Under this decision, the Department of Agriculture will purchase $18,378,000 worth of turkey breast products and approximately $30 million in additional pork products in FY 09. The food will be used for federal food and nutrition assistance programs, including the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Summer Food Service Program, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program and the Emergency Food Assistance Program.

"The nation's broad financial downturn has led to an unprecedented decline in sales of value-added, and raw turkey and pork products, which has in turn led to significant financial losses for farmers and producers in several states across the Southeast, including North Carolina. The downturn has put farmers at risk of losing their livelihoods, their farms and their homes."

Source