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FORK Act of 2023
3/12/2024, 2:51 AM
Summary of Bill S 1684
The FORK Act aims to improve access to healthy and nutritious food for low-income individuals and families by expanding and strengthening existing nutrition assistance programs. This includes increasing funding for programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
Additionally, the FORK Act seeks to address food deserts and improve access to fresh and healthy foods in underserved communities. The bill includes provisions for grants and incentives to encourage grocery stores and farmers markets to open in these areas. Furthermore, the FORK Act includes measures to promote nutrition education and healthy eating habits, particularly among children and families. This includes funding for nutrition education programs in schools and community centers, as well as initiatives to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables in school meals. Overall, the FORK Act of 2023 aims to address food insecurity and improve nutrition assistance programs in the United States in order to ensure that all individuals and families have access to healthy and nutritious food.
Congressional Summary of S 1684
Feeding Our Rural Kids Act of 2023 or the FORK Act of 2023
This bill amends the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) to establish a vehicle summer meal delivery pilot program. (The SFSP is a federally funded, state-administered program that reimburses providers that serve no-cost, healthy meals and snacks to children and teens at summer sites in low-income communities.)
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must award one-year grants of up to $100,000 for service institutions (e.g., school food authorities) to purchase or retrofit vehicles to facilitate the distribution of noncongregate meals as part of the SFSP. USDA must give priority to service institutions with high rates of students who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches and that serve a high proportion of students from socially disadvantaged backgrounds. USDA must also ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that service institutions receiving grants are located in diverse geographic areas.
