Chairwoman Stabenow Announces Initiative to Boost Michigan Agriculture, Help Families in Need

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced action to help boost Michigan agriculture and help families in need. The Emergency Food Assistance Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture will supply Michigan apples, cherries and other fruits and vegetables to help food pantries and other community hunger organizations meet demand.

"Our food banks have been stretched very thin during the economic downturn, and while the economy is getting better, there is still a strong need out there to help Michigan families," said Stabenow. "Michigan growers have been requesting participation in this program, and I'm pleased this initiative will be purchasing Michigan products."

The Emergency Food Assistance Program provides high-quality, domestically produced food to low-income families. The program also helps USDA purchase foods to stabilize prices in agriculture commodity markets by balancing supply and demand while supplying healthy food to those in need. Michigan apple and other produce growers requested USDA purchase their crops for use in the program.