The USDA has announced that $857 million will be assigned to fifty companies participating in the third round of the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. This allocation is part of the $1 billion extension of the original $2.7 billion assigned. As of September 17th, the program has distributed 92 million boxes. The new round will include produce, dairy, cooked meat and hopefully eggs. Based on experience with the initial program, boxes will be more evenly distributed through U.S. states and territories.
According to the USDA, the contracts were assigned according to a two-step process ensuring even distribution and incorporating "truck-to-trunk" delivery. Participating companies were ranked on content of boxes, support of local regional food systems and compliance with means- testing. Among the 18 largest contracts ranging from $18 to $115 million, it is noted that Caribbean Produce Exchange LLC receive $35 million. This company was implicated in alleged threefold overcharging for boxes and less than optimal service and distribution in Puerto Rico.
In commenting on the awards, Secretary of Agriculture, Dr. Sonny Perdue, stated, "these contract awards will go to vendors who submitted the strongest proposals in support of American agriculture and the American people".
Criticism of the program includes the reality that providing food to the needy could have been achieved more expeditiously, at less expense and more conveniently for recipients by expanding existing SNAP and similar USDA programs. Detractors of the Farmers-to-Families Box Program maintain that the action was based on the anticipation of political benefits.