White House ending pandemic food box program

(KYMA, KECY/ CNN) - The Farmers to Families Food Box Program that delivered nearly 167 million boxes of fresh food families during the pandemic is coming to an end.

That food came from farmers who were looking for ways to sell their milk and crops when supply chain disruptions forced them to dump much of what they produced.

The program spent about $5 billion over the past year.

It faced initial criticism due to the government partnering with some companies that had little experience with food distribution, but it gained popularity quickly and former President Donald Trump required a letter from him touting the benefit to be included in every box.

Senate nutrition subcommittee chair, Cory Booker, says he hopes the program continues on in some form.