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Introduction of the Farmers Market and Food Bank Local Revitalization Act of 2022

Floor Speech

Date: Aug. 12, 2022
Location: Washington, DC

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Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, access to affordable, nutritious food is essential to leading a long and healthy life. Every day, more and more Americans are visiting their local farmers' markets and food stands for their daily needs.

As food prices have risen, families and seniors have shouldered a heavier burden when shopping at the grocery store. That is why the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) and the Women, Infant, and Children Farmers' Market Program (FMNP) are so critical. For more than 20 years, these tried and true programs have connected families and seniors with food produced by their neighboring farmers benefiting both in a remarkable partnership.

As we kick off National Farmers Market Week, I am excited to introduce the Farmers Market and Food Bank Local Revitalization Act to enhance these programs for the American people. My bill maintains and continues current funding for SFMNP, while authorizing up to an additional $100 million annually through 2028. Furthermore, my bill significantly increases the minimum and maximum individual benefit amounts for both SFMNP and FMNP.

Recognizing the vital role farmers' markets and food stands play in big cities and small towns all across the country, the Farmers Market and Food Bank Local Revitalization Act strengthens our support for the programs that bring together local farmers and the communities they feed.

By empowering the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide new infrastructure loans and grants, my bill also invests to expand existing farmers' markets and food stands and provide opportunities for new ones to grow.

Finally, my bill establishes a pilot program for food banks to contract with local farmers--allowing those most in need to receive fresh produce and meals.

The Farmers Market and Food Bank Local Revitalization Act is a win- win for all--lifting up farmers who make and grow and feed families and seniors right in their neighborhoods.

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