Kaptur, Brown Introduce Bill to Expand Farmers Market Nutrition Programs
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) released the following statement after she and Representative Shontel Brown (OH-11) introduced the Farmers Market and Food Bank Local Revitalization Act.
Supported by Ohio farmers, service organizations, and food banks, the Farmers Market and Food Bank Local Revitalization Act would improve and expand two long-standing federal programs that connect seniors and families with farmers markets and food stands. As a Member of the House Agriculture Committee, Rep. Kaptur has long championed these programs which provide affordable, nutritious food to tens of thousands of Ohioans while benefiting local farmers.
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) and the Women, Infants and Children Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) are federal-state partnership programs in which the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) distributes grants to states to make coupons available to eligible seniors and families to purchase food made and grown in their communities. Each year, 725,000 seniors and 1.2 million women, infants, and children across the country receive coupons worth up to $50 that can be exchanged at nearly 20,000 locations. However, the $20 million in annual funding for SFMP and $30 million for FMNP is insufficient to meet the need.
The Farmers Market and Food Bank Local Revitalization Act would allow for a stepped increase in SFMP funding up to $100 million annually by 2028. The bill also raises coupon amounts for SFMNP to $80 and FMNP up to $60, and establishes a USDA pilot program to facilitate contracting between local farmers and local food banks for food procurement and nutritional assistance delivery.
“Dollar for dollar, the senior and family Farmers Market Nutrition Programs are some of the most effective farm and nutritional programs across America,” said Rep. Kaptur. “By connecting farmers with even more of their neighbors, we will ensure those in need have a meal at the dinner table while uplifting the growers and producers who feed us all.”
"Strengthening Ohio families' access to nutritious, fresh foods and offering new markets for our local farmers is a win-win for all," said Rep. Brown. "This legislation will ensure funding for American families and seniors who use nutrition benefits at farmers markets to keep healthy food on their tables while supporting our regional food systems."
“The Chef's Garden is a family owned and operated vegetable farm in Northern Ohio,” said Chef’s Garden CEO Bob Jones. “We operate a local farmers market and have been participating in the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program the past two years. We are continually amazed at how much the seniors in our area appreciate the access to good local fresh produce. We wholeheartedly support the expansion of this program to reach more folks.”
“The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is reaching into the heart of a food desert in our community,” said Sandusky Farmers Market CEO Chris Parthemore. “Seniors love the access to farm fresh produce and tell us how this program is helping them stretch their food dollars each month. The Sandusky Farmers Market has shown great potential but like most non-profits, it struggles with resources. Despite those struggles, the farmers market makes a tangible difference in our community. The market provides low cost, healthy foods to our community on a weekly basis and to many residents who are on a fixed income. Obesity and access to sustainably farmed, nutritious food are continuing problems. This bill can make a profound impact in our community and others by ensuring access to locally sourced, healthy foods.”
“We are so grateful to Congresswoman Kaptur for her leadership in introducing the Farmers Market and Food Bank Revitalization Act of 2022,” said Greater Cleveland Food Bank Director of Advocacy and Public Education Kimberly LoVano. “Not only will this bill provide additional access to fresh, locally-grown food for seniors and families with children, but it will also help food banks establish new partnerships with local farmers at a time when it’s needed most.”
More information on the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program and the Farmers Market Nutrition Program can be found here. More information on the Farmers Market and Food Bank Local Revitalization Act can be found here.
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For more information, contact Chris Dalton at chris.dalton@mail.house.gov.