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The Commodity Procurement Branch purchases red meat and fish items for distribution by USDA to Federal feeding program recipients. These purchases (1) support agricultural markets, particularly when surpluses exist; (2) safeguard the health and well-being of our Nation's children by distributing nutritious commodities through the National School Lunch Program; and (3) provide food to the elderly, needy families, and other charitable institutions. The Branch buys a variety of products such as frozen bulk ground beef, beef patties (100 percent beef and vegetable protein product patties), low-fat beef patties, beef for reprocessing, ground pork, smoked fully cooked hams, Alaskan pollock nuggets, and catfish; plus canned beef, pork, meatball stew, luncheon meat, tuna, and salmon. To make these purchases, Commodity Procurement personnel develop and coordinate purchase plans. In accordance with Federal acquisition requirements, they prepare solicitations for bids, evaluate offers, and award contracts; conduct economic assessments of the livestock and seafood industries; and perform a variety of statistical analyses of procurement programs. Through these purchase programs, the Branch assists farmers, commodity producers, and processors by helping maintain stable commodity prices. Equally important, the purchases provide economical and healthy meals for school children, the elderly, needy families, and the homeless. Go To: AMS Food Purchases for more information on recent purchases, solicitations, specifications, and other related information of the Livestock and Seed Program, Commodity Procurement Branch.
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