Government tariffs helping to fill local food banks

Matt Jordan October 12, 2018

Last Updated: October 12, 2018

Medford, Ore — Thanks to an unexpected side-effect of the Trump administrations’ tariffs on foreign goods, local food banks are getting literal tons of donated food that would otherwise go overseas.

Foods like rice, meat and produce are now too expensive for foreign buyers.

So the United States Department of Agriculture is buying up the unsold products from American farmers and distributing them to food banks.

That includes 750,000 pounds of food for Access in Jackson County.

“We know that families need help on a continuing basis, so this will help to make sure that people get fed,” said Phillip Yates with Access’ Nutrition Program.

The extra food does come with some difficulties, more volunteers are needed to distribute the product before it expires and it’s uncertain exactly how long the extra supply will last.

Matt Jordan October 12, 2018

Matt Jordan

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Matt Jordan is the Chief Meteorologist for KOBI-TV NBC5. Matt joined the NBC5 weather team in 2014 after a year as a reporter and anchor in Alexandria, Louisiana. His experience with the severe weather of the Deep South and a love of the Pacific Northwest led him to pursue a certification with Mississippi State University as a Broadcast Meteorologist. You can find Matt working in the evenings of NBC5 News at 5, 6 and 11 as well as online. Matt also has a degree in Journalism from the University of Oregon. In addition to being passionate about news and weather, Matt is a BIG Oregon Ducks fan. When not rooting for the Ducks or tracking down the next storm over the Pacific, Matt can be found outdoors in the Oregon wilderness with his wife, his daughter and their dogs Stanley and Gordi.