President Donald Trump said Monday that his administration would provide an additional $1 billion to a program that gives food to American families dealing with the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the government's several programs to help the struggling Americans is the Farmers to Families Food Box Program.
According to MSN, the program aims to buy foods from farmers who usually sell their products at restaurants but lost business due to coronavirus-related shutdowns.
The purchased food will be delivered to millions of people who were thrown out of work or hurt by the pandemic.
During his visit to a North Carolina food packing plant, Trump said: "Today I am proud to announce that we will provide an additional one billion dollars to fund the Farmers to Families Food Box program."
President Trump Speaks At Flavor 1st Growers And Packers in Mills River, North Carolina MILLS RIVER, NC - AUGUST 24: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at Flavor 1st Growers & Packers on August 24, 2020 in Mills River, North Carolina. Trump toured the facility to highlight the Farmers to Families Food Box program. Trump is in North Carolina for the four day long Republican National Convention.
In July, Reuters reported that the administration had delivered far less food aid under the up to $3 billion programs announced in April than it had pledged by the end of June as cited by food banks managers and data from the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA).
According to Reuters, the program was criticized by analysts, food banks, and some senators who said contracts were often awarded to non-experienced vendors that were unable to source the food and deliver it on time.
As per the USDA website, the agency aims to complete the purchase of up to $2.7 billion of food under the aid program by the end of August.
In a statement on Monday, the White House said that under the program, more than 70 million boxes of foods were delivered to food banks and nonprofit organizations.
On the other hand, food stamps or also known as SNAP has a new access enhancement grant that can help local retailers modify equipment to accept SNAP cards online.
If you are a recipient of SNAP, then good news! You can now start using them to shop online. Amazon and Walmart are the approved platforms, where you can make online purchases.
The program will significantly benefit those who cannot leave their homes, said Director for Economic Assistance Michele Gee.
"Allowing individuals to do that online and have those groceries delivered is very important for individuals that have complications that would prevent them from being out and about," Gee said.
According to KXNet, people have been advised to stay at home as much as possible during the pandemic. However, staying at home is not always possible for those who use SNAP benefits.
A SNAP recipient spoke to KXNet and said the option to shop online will allow her and her family and friends to get what they want and stay safe.
"I think it would be beneficial especially for the elderly and the disabled because I do know a few people that send people to the store, and they get so frustrated with not being able to get what they want," said Pam Skinner, a SNAP recipient.
Are you a retailer or SNAP beneficiary? Click here for more information on the new grant.
Check these out:
Most Americans Experience 'Cooking Fatigue' Amid COVID-19 Pandemic, Survey Shows
Food Stamps AKA SNAP: How to Apply
West Texas Food Bank Receives Over $54,000 Donation From Houston Ferrovial and Subsidiaries
