Ivanka Trump kicks off USDA fresh box program

[malaise]

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/05/15/ivanka-trump-usda-program-260702
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Ivanka Trump on Friday made her first public appearance in weeks to kick off the Agriculture Department’s new food box program at a produce distributor in Laurel, Md.

She joined Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan — with all three wearing masks — to tout the launch of the $3 billion program. The initiative aims to connect surplus produce, meat and dairy with food banks and other nonprofits that serve people in need.

“I’m proud that the majority of the recipients are small and regional food suppliers who prioritize smaller farms and nonprofits in their bids,” Trump said at the event. She wore a black face mask adorned with an American flag pin, except when delivering her remarks.

USDA’s program has increasingly come under fire for awarding some major contracts to firms with little to no experience working with farmers or food banks.

A significant slice of the $1.2 billion in initial contracts USDA awarded has been questioned by industry leaders, as POLITICO reported this week. For instance, a $39.1 million contract to CRE8AD8 (pronounced “create a date”), a Texas-based event planning company specializing in lavish weddings and corporate events has garnered particular scrutiny.

More grifting!