Coronavirus Food Assistance Program Aims to Help Farmers, Food Banks

The federal government created a special program that could help farmers and ranchers, while also feeding Oklahomans during the pandemic.

The USDA to craft a $19 billion relief program to help maintain the integrity of our food supply chain and to make sure every American has access to the food they need.

The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program calls for the government to buy $3 billion worth of dairy, produce and meat from farmers and ranchers to distribute to places like food pantries.

The Regional Food Bank says it's applied to handle up to 4.5 million pounds of supplies through December.

“I think being a food bank, we better understand the ripped effect that closed restaurants and closed schools has on the farmers and ranchers of this country,” said Cathy Nestlen with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

The Food Bank wants to make it clear, there is not a food shortage and you can get food at any of its partner agencies.               

The USDA says the Coronavirus Food Assistance program will also provide 16-billion dollars in direct support on actual losses to agricultural producers impacted by COVID-19.