(Washington, D.C., February 19, 2026) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) intent to purchase up to $263 million in dairy and agricultural products from American farmers and producers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country. These purchases are being made through USDA’s authority under Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 and will assist producers and communities in need. With this action, the Trump Administration is bolstering American prosperity by supporting American agriculture, rural communities, and those in need of nutrition assistance.
“From milk and dairy to fruits, legumes, and tree nuts, these staples are essential for feeding families and sustaining America’s agricultural economy,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “Through these Section 32 purchases, USDA is delivering wholesome, real food to Americans while injecting critical dollars into local economies. By turning harvests into meals, we are not only stabilizing farm income and protecting rural jobs—we are nourishing our nation and supporting the farmers who feed America. Under President Trump’s leadership, these investments strengthen the food supply, sustain rural communities, and reinforce agriculture as a cornerstone of economic resilience.”
Agricultural Marketing Service Section 32 Purchases
AMS continuously purchases a variety of domestically produced and processed agricultural products. These “USDA Foods” are provided to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition assistance programs, including food banks that operate The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and are a vital component of the nation’s food safety net. USDA AMS will purchase up to $263 million of the following commodities:
- Butter: $75 million
- Cheddar Cheese and Cheese Products: $32.5 million
- Swiss Cheese: $10 million
- Fresh Fluid Milk: $20.5 million
- Ultra-High Temperature Milk: $10 million
- Chickpeas: $12 million
- Dried Beans (Black and Pinto): $25 million
- Fresh Pears: $15 million
- Lentils: $14 million
- Pecans: $10 million
- Split Peas: $24 million
- Walnuts: $15 million
