Source:  Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 4/30/10

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service will buy $161.4 million worth of foods for federal food and nutrition assistance programs.

The purchases include up to $40 million of beef products and $2 million of lamb products, among many other commodities.

"These purchases are a 'win-win' because they help provide healthy food to kids and families throughout the country, while benefiting producers by providing a customer for these products," Vilsack said.

In a news release, USDA said a number of economic factors have led to surpluses and that these purchases will help alleviate higher inventories and lower prices that farmers and ranchers are receiving for their commodities. They also will help support local food banks and other national nutrition programs.

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