WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an extension of the November 6, 2019, deadline to submit Milk Donation and Distribution Plans for Fiscal Year 2019 and Fiscal Year 2020. Applications are now due no later than December 6, 2019.

Details about program eligibility and participation are available at www.ams.usda.gov/mdrp. Interested partnerships must apply for Fiscal Year 2019 and Fiscal Year 2020 program participation by submitting a separate completed Milk Donation and Distribution Plan for each fiscal year by the extended deadline. Milk Donation and Distribution Plans submitted for Fiscal Year 2019 can reflect donations made from October 1, 2018, through September 30, 2019. After approval, partnerships will then be able to submit specific information to obtain retroactive reimbursement claims for Fiscal Year 2019. Plans for Fiscal Year 2019 and Fiscal Year 2020 will be approved by January 22, 2020.

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. Under the program, eligible dairy organizations partner with non-profit organizations that 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.

–USDA AMS

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