The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the approval of 133 partnerships as a result of the first round of Milk Donation Reimbursement Program applications. USDA also announced that it will continue accepting applications for the Milk Donation Reimbursement Program for fiscal years 2019 and 2020 through May 1 and October 30, 2020, respectively.
Approved partnerships can now submit claims for reimbursement of eligible expenses related to approved fluid milk product donations.
The Milk Donation Reimbursement Program was established in accordance with the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill). The new program was effective September 16, 2019, and applications were collected through December 2019. Under the program, eligible dairy organizations partner with non-profit organizations to distribute food to low-income individuals. Those partnerships may apply for and receive limited reimbursements to cover expenses related to certain fluid milk product donations.
Congress directed USDA to develop the program to reduce food waste and provide nutrition assistance to low-income individuals. Congress authorized $9 million for the program in fiscal year 2019 and $5 million per fiscal year thereafter.
Details about program eligibility and the application process are available at www.ams.usda.gov/mdrp.
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