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Farmers’ Market and Food Bank Local Revitalization Act of 2023
12/15/2023, 3:56 PM
Summary of Bill HR 2378
The key provisions of the bill include funding for farmers' markets to improve infrastructure, expand outreach efforts, and increase access to fresh produce for low-income individuals and families. Additionally, the bill provides grants to food banks to support their operations, increase capacity, and enhance distribution networks.
The Farmers’ Market and Food Bank Local Revitalization Act of 2023 also includes measures to promote collaboration between farmers' markets and food banks, encouraging partnerships that can help streamline the distribution of food to those in need. The bill emphasizes the importance of supporting local agriculture and food production, recognizing the economic and health benefits of sourcing food locally. Overall, the bill seeks to strengthen the connection between farmers, markets, and food banks, with the goal of improving access to fresh, healthy food for all Americans. By investing in these vital institutions, the bill aims to revitalize local communities, support small farmers, and combat food insecurity across the country.
Congressional Summary of HR 2378
Farmers' Market and Food Bank Local Revitalization Act of 2023
This bill provides for increased support for farmers' markets.
This bill reauthorizes, and extends funding for, the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program through FY2028.The bill also (1) expands eligibility for the program by increasing the income limit, (2) increases the minimum individual benefit, and (3) removes the maximum individual benefit limit.
The bill extends the WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program through FY2028 and increases the minimum and maximum individual benefits under the program.
Further, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) must make loans, loan guarantees, and grants to public agencies and nonprofit organizations for the construction of new farmers' markets or the improvement or rehabilitation of existing farmers' markets. The bill provides funding for these loans, loan guarantees, and grants through FY2029, with certain cost-sharing requirements.
Additionally, USDA must establish a pilot grant program to allow food banks to voluntarily contract with local farmers to grow produce for food bank programs as a way to promote local procurement of produce. The bill provides funding for the pilot program through FY2025.
