In an emergency, USDA can authorize States to release these food stocks to disaster relief agencies to feed people at shelters and mass feeding sites. If the President declares a disaster, States can also, with USDA approval, distribute commodity foods directly to households that are in need as a result of an emergency. Such direct distribution takes place when normal commercial food supply channels such as grocery stores have been disrupted, damaged or destroyed, or can't function for some reason such as lack of electricity. Back To Top 3. USDA gives a wide variety of foods to relief organizations to provide meals to disaster victims.
Emphasis is on food that requires little or no preparation.
For example, during 1997, USDA provided such items as canned juice, canned meat, and canned fruits and vegetables. Back To Top 4. If a State doesn't have enough food on hand to meet emergency needs, USDA makes arrangements for food to be shipped from other States or from USDA's own food inventories. The Secretary of Agriculture can authorize special funding to buy or replenish USDA food stocks that are used in an emergency. Back To Top 5.