Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 8/16/11

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced USDA’s intention to purchase up to $40 million of chicken products for federal food nutrition assistance programs, including food banks.

“This purchase will provide welcome assistance to thousands of families in these challenging economic times,” said Vilsack. “It will also provide support to the broiler industry and the many small independent poultry growers that depend on the industry for their livelihood. Broiler producers have already cut production substantially, and this purchase will help them bring supply in line with demand.”

The National Chicken Council praised the move.

“At a time when the industry is under great stress due to the high cost of feed ingredients and the general economic slowdown, we appreciate USDA’s willingness to step forward and acquire additional chicken for various feeding programs,” said NCC President Mike Brown in a statement.

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) purchases food products each year to support 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. USDA also makes emergency food purchases for distribution to victims of natural disasters.