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Release No. 0314.09

Contact: Jimmie Turner (202) 720-8998
jimmie.turner@usda.gov
Billy Cox (202) 720-8998
billy.cox@usda.gov

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Secretary Vilsack Announces Purchase of Up to $14.7 Million of Cultivate Blueberry Products for Federal Nutrition Assistance Programs

WASHINGTON, July 16, 2009 -- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced USDA's intention to purchase up to $14.7 million worth of cultivated blueberry products for federal nutrition assistance programs.

"President Obama has committed to ending childhood hunger by 2015, and USDA's Federal nutrition programs will play an important role in achieving this goal by improving the health and nutrition of families across the country," Vilsack said. "These purchases are even more important during these challenging economic times, when USDA's nutrition programs help ensure that millions of Americans have access to safe and healthy food."

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) purchases a variety of high-quality food products each year to support the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Summer Food Service Program, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program and the Emergency Food Assistance Program. USDA also makes emergency food purchases for distribution to victims of natural disasters.

Government food experts work to ensure that all purchased food is healthful and nutritious. Food items are normally required to be low in fat, sugar and sodium. The commodities must meet specified grade requirements and be USDA-certified to ensure quality. AMS purchases only products of 100 percent domestic origin.

For more information on purchase details, interested suppliers should contact the contracting officer, who can be found on the AMS Web page: http://www.ams.usda.gov .


Last modified: 07/17/2009