The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to buy USD 100 million (EUR 86.4 million) worth of Alaska pollock and USD 20 million (EUR 17.3 million) of catfish as part of a bulk purchase of food products for food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country.
According to the Genuine Association of Pollock Producers, the USDA has already spent nearly USD 60 million (EUR 52 million) on Alaska pollock products in fiscal year 2025, making it the fourth biggest year of USDA pollock purchases to date. The proposed USD 100 million would far outpace the previous record for USDA pollock purchases, when the department spent USD 76.3 million (EUR 65.9 million) in fiscal year 2019.
“Today’s announcement continues to prioritize American commodities for families and communities in need. On the eve of the Great American Farmers Market, USDA is proud to play a role in not only connecting smaller, local farmers to families, but doing its part to Make America Healthy Again,” Secretary Brooke Rollins said in a statement. “This is yet another action by President Trump to improve the livelihoods of the American people. The Trump Administration has delivered historic tax cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill, boosted the farm safety net, and is ensuring American agriculture will be strong, secure, and resilient for generations to come.”
The Great American Farmers Market is an event showcasing domestic agriculture products on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., U.S.A. during National Farmers Market Week, 3 - 8 August.
The announcement comes after U.S. President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress passed major cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the legislation will reduce federal SNAP funding by USD 187 billion (EUR 161.6 million) over the course of a decade. The Trump administration has also cut funding for a federal program that help purchase local food for food banks and nutrition assistance programs.
