The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced plans to purchase Fresh Grapefruit, Oranges, and Mandarins for distribution to various food nutrition assistance programs. Purchases will be made under the authority of Section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935, with the purpose to encourage the continued domestic consumption of these products by diverting them from the normal channels of trade and commerce.

The Chickasaw Nation (CN) Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides fruit and vegetable benefits to eligible First Americans during the summer months. The Winter Fruit and Vegetable Benefit Program (WFVB) for Chickasaw seniors was created to compliment SFMNP and to support the year-round nutritional needs of Chickasaw seniors by providing fresh, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables during the winter months: November, December, January, February and March.