On October 4, the USDA announced that an additional $100 million from the American Rescue Plan will address food system challenges within meat and poultry processing. This investment is in addition to the previously announced $500 million that will go towards meat and poultry processing expansion.

The new program will ensure loan guarantees to promote competition, expand market opportunities, and strengthen supply chains in the meat and poultry industries. These investments intend to increase private investment while improving supply chain resiliency. On October 14, the USDA will hold a webinar for the food sector and community lenders on this program. An announcement on eligibility and the application timeframe is forthcoming, and USDA encourages all interested parties to sign up for email updates about the program and related events.