Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick Announces $2.5 Million USDA Food & Nutrition Service Grant

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick released the following statement regarding a $2,549,198 grant for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services so the agency can reach remote, rural, Tribal, and/or low-income areas that are underserved by the program:

“I am pleased to announce a $2,549,198 grant from the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to improve the Emergency Food Assistance Program’s (TEFAP) in order to reach remote, rural, Tribal, and/or low-income areas that are underserved by the program.

“TEFAP helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost. Through TEFAP, USDA purchases a variety of nutritious, high-quality USDA Foods, and makes those foods available to State agencies. Florida provides food to local agencies that they have selected, usually food banks, which in turn distribute the food to local organizations, such as soup kitchens and food pantries that directly serve the public. These local organizations then distribute the USDA Foods to eligible recipients for household consumption or use them to prepare and serve meals in congregate settings.

“States receiving TEFAP Reach and Resiliency Grants will use the funds to implement unique and creative solutions to address potential gaps in TEFAP coverage, and to make critical investments in food distribution infrastructure in underserved areas. Through the grants, USDA is empowering Florida agencies to better serve those in need of emergency food assistance, especially in communities facing barriers to access. This grant was provided through the American Rescue Plan Act as part of USDA’s Build Back Better Initiative.”