§7505 Federal and State responsibilities

Summary

The Secretary must quickly send food supplies in amounts that can be used without waste to State agencies chosen by the Governor or other state official so those agencies can pass the food to eligible local groups. The Secretary can also send food directly to eligible groups or to private companies that process food under section 7504. State agencies may give priority to food bank networks and other groups whose main job is getting food to low-income households. State agencies must distribute food as fast as they can and in the amounts requested when practical. If they cannot meet all requests for a particular food, they must first help agencies feeding people in emergencies and distress, including low-income and unemployed people, and they should encourage service in rural areas. State agencies that get food meant for individual households must give it to eligible local groups that serve needy people and, with the Secretary’s approval, decide who is considered needy. State agencies may also make agreements with agencies in other States to jointly supply or transfer food to emergency feeding organizations that serve areas across state lines.