The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a $19 billion program to help farmers and ranchers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The program includes $16 billion of direct support to farmers and ranchers based on actual losses for agricultural producers where prices and market supply chains have been impacted, and to assist producers with additional adjustment and marketing costs resulting from lost demand and short-term oversupply for the 2020 marketing year caused by COVID-19.  In addition, the USDA says it will partner with regional and local distributors to purchase $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy, and meat.  The distributors and wholesalers will then provide a pre-approved box of fresh produce, dairy, and meat products to food banks, community and faith based organizations, and other non-profits serving Americans in need.  A USDA statement indicated it will utilize other available funding sources to purchase and distribute food to those in need.