U.S. federal government to buy $20 million in cheese

WASHINGTON (WHAM) - The U.S. federal government is taking on a new project that many people may find to be cheesy.

According to the USDA, the government is buying approximately 11 million pounds of cheese from private inventories to reduce a surplus that is at an all-time high.

The cheese, which will cost $20 million to purchase, will be distributed to food banks and pantries across the U.S. for families in need.

Dairy producers have been dealing with a very slow market since 2014 and have seen their revenues drop 35 percent in the last two years.

"We understand that the nation's dairy producers are experiencing challenges due to market conditions and that food banks continue to see strong demand for assistance," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a statement. "This commodity purchase is part of a robust, comprehensive safety net that will help reduce a cheese surplus that is at a 30-year high while, at the same time, moving a high-protein food to the tables of those most in need. USDA will continue to look for ways within its authorities to tackle food insecurity and provide for added stability in the marketplace."

USDA said it will monitor the dairy market and could take additional steps later this fall if needed.