TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced a significant partnership between the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Feeding Florida to increase the availability of fresh, protein-rich, Florida-grown products in food banks across the state. This initiative marks the first time funding has been increased for Florida food banks to source surplus beef, eggs, and dairy products from local producers.
“This transformative partnership is a win-win-win for Florida,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “It not only supports our food banks and helps Floridians in need, but it also provides a critical outlet for our farmers and ranchers, ensuring that their high-quality, Florida-grown products reach the tables of those who need them most. By working together, we are strengthening our food banks, supporting our farmers and ranchers, and bolstering Florida’s food security.”
Florida’s agriculture community and Feeding Florida’s network of food banks have a longstanding collaboration aimed at ensuring surplus locally grown foods reach those in need. The community provides surplus commodities through donations, recovery programs, and at significantly reduced prices. The new initiative will increase the reimbursement rate that Feeding Florida receives from the state when procuring beef, eggs, and dairy products. While farmers will continue to offer these commodities at a discount, the higher reimbursement will more accurately reflect actual costs.
Feeding Florida is the only statewide network of food banks dedicated to providing a consistent supply of healthy food to every community daily. In the past fiscal year alone, its nine member food banks distributed over 412 million pounds of food to 2.9 million Floridians facing hunger issues.
“Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Legislature understand the connection between the state’s agriculture community and our food bank network’s ability to get their Florida-grown produce and proteins to the families that need it most. It’s an honor for our state leaders to recognize our critical work with Florida’s farmers and ranchers,” said Robin Safley, CEO of Feeding Florida. “Nutrient-rich proteins are some of the most difficult products for our food banks to procure, yet they are critical for the health of Florida’s families, especially children.”
The partnership was facilitated by a $6.5 million appropriation from the Florida Legislature during its 2024 regular session. Senate President-Designate Ben Albritton championed this funding effort.
“Under the leadership of Commissioner Simpson, Florida has made great strides to bolster Florida’s agriculture industry and strengthen national security,” said Senate President-Designate Ben Albritton (R-Wauchula). “This meaningful partnership between Florida agriculture and Feeding Florida not only furthers this priority but also directs locally sourced protein-rich foods to strengthen families in need.”
“Commissioner Simpson has proven time and again the unbreakable link between our agriculture sector and the health and welfare of our state,” said Speaker Designate Daniel Perez (R-Miami). “Thanks to his leadership, Floridians who are suffering in difficult economic circumstances will be able to access much-needed relief and quality food.”
For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services visit FDACS.gov.
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