USDA Announces $263 Million Purchase of Dairy and Agricultural Products

(Washington, D.C., February 19, 2026) – In a significant move to bolster American agriculture and provide support for communities in need, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) intends to purchase up to $263 million in dairy and agricultural products. These products will be distributed to food banks and nutrition assistance programs throughout the nation.

<p>This purchasing initiative falls under USDA’s authority established by Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935. The effort aims to support American farmers and producers while ensuring nutritious food reaches those who need it most. Rollins emphasized how this action represents a commitment to American prosperity, noting that it reinforces the agricultural sector, supports rural communities, and helps Americans in need of nutrition assistance.</p>

<h2>Supporting American Farmers and Communities</h2>
<p>“From milk and dairy to fruits, legumes, and tree nuts, these staples are essential for feeding families and sustaining America’s agricultural economy,” <strong>Secretary Brooke Rollins</strong> stated. “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.”</p>

<p>Rollins highlighted that these investments do more than just support farmers. Under President Trump’s leadership, the USDA's actions aim to strengthen the food supply, sustain rural communities, and ensure agriculture remains a crucial part of America's economic resilience.</p>

<h2>A Breakdown of USDA Purchases</h2>
<p>The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) regularly purchases a wide variety of domestically produced and processed agricultural goods. The recently announced Section 32 purchases include an array of essential commodities that will be provided to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) for nutrition assistance programs, including food banks participating in The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).</p>

<h3>Commodities Included in the Purchase:</h3>
<ul>
    <li>**Butter**: $75 million</li>
    <li>**Cheddar Cheese and Cheese Products**: $32.5 million</li>
    <li>**Swiss Cheese**: $10 million</li>
    <li>**Fresh Fluid Milk**: $20.5 million</li>
    <li>**Ultra-High Temperature Milk**: $10 million</li>
    <li>**Chickpeas**: $12 million</li>
    <li>**Dried Beans (Black and Pinto)**: $25 million</li>
    <li>**Fresh Pears**: $15 million</li>
    <li>**Lentils**: $14 million</li>
    <li>**Pecans**: $10 million</li>
    <li>**Split Peas**: $24 million</li>
    <li>**Walnuts**: $15 million</li>
</ul>

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