Letter to the Hon. Sonny Perdue, Secretary of Agriculture - Gillibrand, Stabenow Letter To Secretary Perdue: Farmers To Families Food Box Program Must Have Kosher And Halal Options

Letter

Dear Secretary Perdue,

As the United States continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, and as an increasing number of Americans continue to face hunger and food insecurity, I have been deeply concerned by reports of shortages of kosher and halal food available to the many observant individuals and families in New York State and throughout our country. I write today to request information regarding what the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has done to ensure that kosher and halal food are being included in the Farmers to Families Food Box Program, and what steps USDA has taken to receive feedback from Jewish and Muslim communities to ensure their religious dietary needs are met by the program.

On April 17, 2020 you announced that USDA would be purchasing up to $3 billion in fresh produce, diary, and meat products to be distributed in boxes to food banks, community and faith-based organizations, and other non-profits. However, you did not specify how much of that funding would be used to purchase kosher and halal specific food, or give details on how you will meet the dietary needs of the faith-based organizations you planned to serve, some of which observe religious beliefs that have dietary restrictions.

Neighborhoods with large Orthodox communities have already been experiencing high concentrations of poverty and hunger before the pandemic started. In the five boroughs of New York City alone, there are more than 500,000 people living in poor or near-poor Jewish households. Americans of all backgrounds and faiths are experiencing increased hunger during this pandemic, and many programs have been put forth to alleviate some of these issues. However, many in the Jewish and Muslim community only eat kosher or halal food, and have not been able to benefit from these programs if they do not provide these options.

I ask that you provide an update on the purchase and distribution of kosher and halal food in the Farmers to Families Food Box Program, and provide what input and feedback you received from Jewish and Muslim communities when determining what products would be included in the boxes. Thank you, and I look forward to your timely response and attention to this matter.

Source