Keating Assists Cranberry Growers in Securing Another USDA Surplus Purchase

Press Release

Today, Rep. Bill Keating, founder and co-chairman of the Congressional Cranberry Caucus, announced that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) would be purchasing upwards of $28 million in surplus cranberries nationwide and using them to supplement the food needs of low-income families.

As part of The Emergency Food Assistance Program, the USDA is purchasing $126.4 million worth of fruit and vegetables, of which cranberries are included, to support low-income families in need of emergency food assistance. The food will be distributed by local agencies such as food pantries and soup kitchens.

On December 13, 2013, Rep. Keating led a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack urging the USDA to purchase some of the surplus cranberry crops in an effort to both stabilize commodity prices as well as further introduce cranberries to domestic and international markets.

"The USDA's announcement is a great example of good, smart government at work," said Rep. Keating. "The purchase of the excess cranberry crops will benefit local growers and entire industry while providing healthy food options for some of our most vulnerable families. It's a win-win by all accounts in my book."

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