Support for Farmers' Markets and Food Banks: More Healthy Food for Those in Need
This act aims to increase access to healthy, local food for seniors and families in need. It provides greater financial support for farmers' market nutrition programs and for food banks, enabling them to source more produce from local farmers or grow it themselves. This will give citizens, especially those with lower incomes, easier access to fresh fruits and vegetables, potentially improving their health and food security.
Key points
Increased funding for nutrition programs for seniors and families with children (WIC) at farmers' markets, meaning more funds for purchasing fresh produce.
Raising the income limit for seniors eligible for the nutrition program to 200% of the federal poverty guideline and increasing the minimum benefit to $35, expanding the pool of beneficiaries.
Financial support for the construction and modernization of farmers' markets, including new payment technologies, facilitating access to local products.
Launch of a pilot program allowing food banks to contract with local farmers to grow produce or engage in self-production, increasing the availability of fresh produce for those in need.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_2378
Sponsor: Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9]
Process start date: 2023-03-29