President Donald Trump’s executive order late last month invoking the Defense Production Act to keep meat and poultry plants open got a ton of media attention, but there’s one big thing that was largely missed: The EO could actually grant USDA the same sweeping authority over, well, the rest of the country’s food production. (Politico)

On May 19, the USDA unveiled the details of its $16 billion Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The program will provide direct payments to farmers and ranchers to partially offset COVID-19 related losses for livestock and specialty and non-specialty crops. (Farm Bureau)

Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) updates have been added to our website. New additions include USDA’s video preview of the payment calculator. For more details, visit our USDA page.

It doesn’t appear that food halls in Chicago will be able to open any time soon. With all Illinois restaurant dining rooms closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the idea of stuffing hundreds of people together in one room sounding unsafe, will food halls be able to survive? (Chicago Tribune)

As the coronavirus permanently shutters some small businesses, big fast-food brands like Domino’s Pizza, Chipotle and Wendy’s that were doing well before the crisis want to grow – or continue pre-existing expansion plans – after the pandemic subsides. (Reuters)

The House next week is planning to overhaul the government’s flagship small business aid program, amid growing concern that it’s become unworkable for many employers. (Politico)