WASHINGTON, April 30, 2012 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s intention to purchase up to $2 million of lamb 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 lamb industry and the many small independent sheep growers that depend on the industry for their livelihood. Lamb producers have already cut production substantially and this purchase will help them bring supply in line with demand.”
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) purchases a variety of high-quality 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.
Government food experts work to ensure that all purchased food is healthful and nutritious. Food items are required to be low in fat, sugar and sodium. The commodities must meet specified requirements and be certified to ensure quality. AMS purchases only products of 100 percent domestic origin.
For more information or purchase details, interested suppliers should contact, in writing: Contracting Officer, USDA/AMS Commodity Procurement Division, Stop 0256, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250; telephone (202) 720-4476; or visit the AMS website at www.ams.usda.gov.
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