Increased Funding for Farmers' Markets and Fresh Food Access for Vulnerable Groups.
This Act significantly boosts funding for nutrition programs for seniors and WIC families, increasing the value of vouchers used to buy fresh produce at farmers' markets. It also allocates funds for building and improving market infrastructure, especially in underserved areas, and establishes a pilot program enabling food banks to contract directly with local farmers to secure fresh food supplies. The goal is to combat food insecurity and improve community nutrition.
Key points
Benefit Increase: Minimum individual benefits for seniors and WIC families to buy fresh produce are raised to $35, and the income eligibility limit for seniors is expanded to 200% of the Federal poverty guideline.
Market Infrastructure: $50 million annually is dedicated to grants and loans for constructing new farmers' markets and upgrading existing ones, improving local access to food.
Food Bank Support: A pilot program provides grants to food banks to contract local farmers, ensuring a steady supply of locally grown, fresh fruits and vegetables for those in need.
Expired
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