$19 billion Coronavirus Assistance Program to Support Food Producers Announced

Program will provide financial assistance and finance massive purchases of food

Apr 17th, 2020

The USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, a $19 billion relief program, has been announced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Farmers, ranchers, and food producers who have experienced "unprecedented losses" will receive $16 billion in direct payments, while $3 billion will be used to purchase fresh produce, dairy, and meat products that will to be distributed to Americans in need.

U.S. Department of Agriculture

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Pandemic-Related Health and Hygiene Consumer Trends Affecting Beverage Market

Product safety demands and active health management are two areas that have increased since the start of the pandemic, and the results on the beverage industry will likely be long-term.

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Manufacturing Skills Gap Widens in the Wake of COVID-19

A new study by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute says the pandemic erased 1.4 million U.S. manufacturing jobs. And, even as the industry rebounds, the remaining unfilled jobs could cost the U.S. economy $1 trillion.

Pandemic-Driven Changes in Food and Beverage Plant Design

Food and beverage producers don’t see COVID-19 as a one-time event. As they actively prepare for the next global pandemic, they’re looking at the changes they need to make in plant design. Find out about their new ideas in this Take Five video.

While most agree we won’t be returning to normal as we have known it, they also agree there will be a continual need for discipline and repeatability in manufacturing in the new normal world as well.

Coronavirus’s Impact, Learnings, and the Value of Discipline

Prior to the pandemic, manufacturers spent most of their time optimizing assets and processes. When the crisis struck, the industry was forced to reinvent day-to-day activities. Refocusing on people is the key to being prepared for future uncertain times.

In many food plants, workers are in close proximity, causing concerns for spreading contagions.

Pushing Change to Keep Workers Safe, Plants Running

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted food and beverage manufacturers to implement several new safety measures along with cutting-edge technologies geared toward maintaining production in a booming market. As we move forward, which changes will take root?

Consumers are telling brands with their wallets that they want the brands to have a stance, to say something, to have an opinion, and to vocalize that opinion in a way that lets them know where they stand.

unPACKED with Packaging World Podcast: Did 2020 Change Packaging Forever?

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Pandemic Gives Boost to Smaller Meat Processing Plants

Though COVID-19 certainly caused its share of issues as meat processors raced to figure out how to keep their workers safe, one of the biggest challenges the smaller organizations have faced is how to keep up with the rising demand.

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Protective Packaging Demand Grows During Pandemic

Consumer demand for protective and hygienic packaging during the COVID-19 pandemic has brought new innovations in the areas of sleeve, film, and cardboard coatings.

FDA & CDC: No Transmission of COVID-19 Through Food or Food Packaging

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Growth of Contract Packaging and Manufacturing Through 2025

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Meat and Poultry Workers’ COVID-19 Rates Drop Sharply

New data shows the sector’s workers are far less likely to contract the disease than members of the general public.

With demands caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, West Liberty Foods had to shift more of its production from bulk food service packages to smaller retail packages for consumers.

COVID-19 Provides a Push for Digital Innovation

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OpX Best Practices for Accessing Equipment Remotely

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Where's my Vaccine?

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COVID Trickle-Down Tied to Potential Corrugated Shortage

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How FDA Food Supply Data Supports COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

In the latest FDA Voices post, Dr. Stephen Hahn and Frank Yiannas, M.P.H. discuss how the new data analysis tool, 21 FORWARD, is helping food and agriculture workers receive vaccines.

A case study in the index also reports an escalated interest in trends for health products, such as immunity-boosting foods and drinks.

COVID-19 and the Consumer Landscape

Consumer priorities switch from the environment and general health-related issues to the pandemic, economic concerns, and food safety.

COVID-19 has put new demands on sanitation procedures.

Challenges Amid a Pandemic

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CDC Gives Meat and Poultry Workers High Priority for COVID-19 Vaccination

Following letters and appeals from the Meat Institute and other food industry groups, the CDC moves food industry workers closer to the top of the list.

Ecolab is using augmented reality from Microsoft to help service its customers remotely, particularly in light of pandemic restrictions on access.

Remote Access Technologies Help Keep Food Sanitation Workers Safe

Cloud services, augmented and virtual reality, and videoconferencing applications are among the latest tools that suppliers are using to keep food and beverage workers safer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

More in COVID-19

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Resiliency of the Food Industry

Timelines skewed, international building plans delayed–yet as companies adapt, site search project work continues to move forward.

Hitting the Spot

Start early, do your homework, and determine what you can live with or without when searching for a new facility’s location. Leave no stone unturned in uncovering workforce assistance programs, tax and utility incentives, and potential operating costs.

Data reflects five key shifts in shopping behavior, buying preferences, and food attitudes after nearly a year of COVID-19 pandemic living and cultural shifts.

Keto is the Magic Word for 2021, Along With More Spice and Low-Alcohol Content Drinks

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Using Beumer Smart Glasses provides operators with hands-free troubleshooting, and helps to mitigate the costs of a technician traveling to the customer site.

Smart Glasses Ease Troubleshooting Communication

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North American Meat Institute Wants Vaccine High-priority Status for Workers

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Study Reveals New Consumer Attitudes

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CPGs Lean on OEMs During the Pandemic

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COVID-19: Food Industry Worker Safety and Industry Response, with Joyce Fassl

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Many processors are also offering their employees hazard pay and other benefits to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Processors Enhance Safety Protocols to Keep Workers Safe During the Covid-19 Pandemic

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Food Supply Industry Seeking Priority in COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

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Marina Mayer, Editor in Chief at both Food Logistics and Supply and Demand Chain Executive.

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Effects of COVID-19 on Packaging Discussed at PACK EXPO Connects