The USDA announced a $30 million purchase of fresh fruit to simultaneously support U.S. farmers and provide food to families in need. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the initiative will help strengthen the farm economy as it recovers from years of difficulty and ensure surplus commodities do not go to waste.

The purchase includes $15 million in oranges, $10 million in grapefruits and $5 million in mandarins from domestic producers. These fruits will be supplied to food banks and nutrition assistance programs nationwide. Fresh produce is often one of the most-needed items to expand access to healthy, vitamin-rich options for millions of Americans.

By redirecting surplus fruit into nutrition programs, the USDA aims to stabilize affected markets while improving food availability for communities experiencing economic strain. The initiative is administered through USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service under Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935.

The fruits will be distributed through the Food and Nutrition Service’s network of nutrition assistance programs, which remain critical for households struggling with food insecurity.

Read more about the USDA purchase of surplus fruit for food banks and nutrition assistance programs here.