The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on February 19, 2026, that it intends to purchase up to $263 million in dairy products, fresh produce, and legumes from American farmers and producers. According to an official announcement from the agency, the food will be distributed to food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country.
What’s Included in the $263 Million Purchase
The purchases are being made through USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) under Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935, a long-standing authority that allows the agency to buy domestically produced and processed agricultural commodities. These foods, known as “USDA Foods,” are supplied to nutrition assistance programs including food banks that operate The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).
The announcement was made by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. According to the official release, the purchases are intended to support American farmers and rural communities while providing food to people in need.
The $263 million in planned purchases breaks down across twelve commodity categories: butter ($75 million), cheddar cheese and cheese products ($32.5 million), dried black and pinto beans ($25 million), split peas ($24 million), fresh fluid milk ($20.5 million), fresh pears ($15 million), walnuts ($15 million), lentils ($14 million), chickpeas ($12 million), ultra-high temperature milk ($10 million), Swiss cheese ($10 million), and pecans ($10 million).
What It Means for Families Who Rely on Food Assistance
For people who rely on food banks or programs such as TEFAP, this announcement means additional supplies of staple foods — including dairy, legumes, nuts, and fruit — may become available through those distribution channels. The Food and Nutrition Administration (formerly the Food and Nutrition Service, which officially changed its name on June 1, 2026) oversees the nutrition assistance programs that receive these commodities.
Readers who receive food assistance or rely on food banks are encouraged to contact their local food bank, state agency, or the USDA Food and Nutrition Administration directly to verify how and when these commodities may affect their specific program or location.
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