USDA Farmers to Families Food Boxes contain 32 pounds of perishable and non-perishable food items including fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and meat.

In New Bedford, the free boxes will be distributed to residents in a series of Saturday morning events through at least March 6 in an effort to fight hunger and food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The distribution is a partnership between the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, New Life Church, and the New Bedford Police Department, according to a press release from the NBPD.

Boxes will be distributed on Saturdays from Feb. 9 through March 6 at the New Life Church at 1331 Cove Road. People are asked to pre-register at https://mmsfi.org/food4vets-copy/ or by calling Sgt. Same Ortega at (774)510-0649.

As part of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program announced on April 17, USDA is exercising authority under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to purchase and distribute agricultural products to those in need.

In the current round of purchases, USDA is purchasing up to $1.5 billion in food for delivery through the end of April. The additional funding was included in the COVID-19 relief package as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act passed December 21. USDA will again purchase combination boxes to ensure all recipient organizations have access to fresh produce, dairy products, fluid milk and meat products. Seafood products will also be included in this round.

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