Release No. 0245.08 Contact:
Billy Cox (202) 720-8998
Hakim Fobia (202) 690-0488
Printable version
Schafer Announces Purchase of Up to $5 Million of Catfish Products
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2008 - Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer today announced
the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) plans to purchase up to $5
million of catfish products 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). The products are distributed through FNS' 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 those affected by natural disasters.
Based upon USDA's intent to buy catfish products, 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 specific quality requirements and be inspected
by USDA. 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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