Release No. 0135.08
Contact: Clara Lau (202) 720-8998
Billy Cox (202) 720-8998
Printable version
Schafer Announces Purchase of Up To
$2 Million of Lamb
WASHINGTON, May 23, 2008 - Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer today announced
USDA's plan to purchase up to $2 million of lamb which will be donated to child
nutrition and other domestic food assistance programs.
USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) purchases a variety of
high-quality food products each year for distribution by USDA's Food and
Nutrition Service (FNS) for the national school lunch program, the school
breakfast program, the summer food service program, the food distribution
program on Indian reservations, the nutrition program for the elderly, the
commodity supplemental food program and the emergency food assistance program.
USDA also makes emergency purchases of commodities for distribution to victims
of natural disasters.
Based upon USDA's intent to buy the lamb, FNS will survey potential
recipients to determine how much product will be accepted for shipping. AMS will
seek the lowest overall cost by publicly inviting bids to supply the desired
quantity and by awarding contracts to responsible bidders.
Government food experts work to ensure that all purchased food is healthful
and nutritious. Food items are normally required to be low in fat, sugar and
sodium. The commodities must meet specified grade requirements and be
USDA-inspected or graded to ensure quality. AMS purchases only products of 100
percent domestic origin.
More information about USDA programs is available at
www.usda.gov
Last modified:
12/05/2008
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