Florida is distributing 5.67 million free Grade A eggs to food banks and pantries across all 67 counties as part of a nationwide price-fixing settlement.
According to the settlement, Florida's share comprises 472,500 dozen eggs delivered across 21 truckloads, alongside a $348,490 payment designated for enforcement. Producers, including Cal-Maine Foods, are covering all shipping and handling costs for the deliveries, which are being distributed through the Feeding Florida network and its more than 2,400 agencies.
The settlement and resulting distribution stem from a joint investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice and 17 states into the manipulation of Urner Barry price quotes.
Attorney General James Uthmeier emphasized the direct relief provided to residents. “Eggs are a breakfast staple, not a luxury. When the price of a carton goes up, working families feel it every week at the checkout line. Today 5.67 million eggs are moving to food banks and pantries in every Florida county—at no cost to households, food banks, or taxpayers. That is affordability you can measure,” Uthmeier stated.
In addition to the product distribution and financial payment, the settlement imposes five years of antitrust compliance rules on the involved companies. Deliveries are scheduled to wrap up this week.
