Apr 22, 2005

USDA to Buy up to 78 Million Pounds of Apple Products

USDA plans to purchase up to 78 million pounds of apples and apple products to be donated to child nutrition and other domestic food assistance programs, according to an announcement made April 21 by Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns.

“This purchase will provide our federal food program recipients with tasty and nutritious products,”Johanns said.

Since the beginning of the current fiscal year, which began Oct. 1, 2004, USDA has purchased 52.4 million pounds of apples and apple products, including fresh apples, canned and frozen apple slices, apple juice and applesauce. USDA purchased 64.2 million pounds of apples and apple products in FY 2004 and 83.8 million pounds in FY 2003.

For more information, visit www.usda.gov.