AMS COVID Stimulus

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) sought feedback through public comments and listening sessions regarding the possible development of new grants and a new food purchase program.  The COVID Stimulus Package, part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, authorized no less than $1.5B for grants and loans to small or midsized food processors or distributors, seafood processing facilities and processing vessels, farmers markets, producers, or other organizations to respond to coronavirus, including for measures to protect workers against COVID–19. The funding also provides for the purchase and distribution of food and agricultural products, including seafood, fresh produce, dairy and meat products to individuals in need.

Listening Sessions

• View the Grants Listening Session on March 19, 2021, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET
• View the Food Purchase Program Listening Session on March 22, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET
  • Part 1 Zoom recording
  • Part 2 Zoom recording
  • Part 3 Zoom Recording

These sessions are not intended for media.  All statements made during these sessions are not made for attribution. The transcript was auto generated and if you have any questions, contact AMSCOVIDStimulus@usda.gov

Meeting Agenda

• Food Purchase Program Agenda (pdf)
• Grant Listening Session Agenda (pdf)

Resources

• Stakeholder Toolkit (Sample posts and graphics in English and Spanish) (zip)
• View our 1 minute video about the Listening Sessions

Contact

Questions regarding the listening sessions can be directed to AMSCOVIDStimulus@usda.gov. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication (Braille, large print, audio tape, etc.) should contact the USDA Target Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).