Fresh Produce Procurement Reform Act of 2023
This bill creates a new USDA program to directly connect fresh produce producers with community food programs serving low-income individuals. It requires the Secretary of Agriculture to contract with eligible entities (like farms, distributors, and nonprofits) to buy U.S.-grown fresh produce - ensuring at least seven varieties per delivery, locally sourced when possible, and aligned with dietary guidelines - and distribute it to qualifying organizations (such as food banks, schools, and tribal programs) facing food insecurity. The program prioritizes contracts with beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, veteran farmers, and small/mid-sized family farms, while mandating 30% upfront payment and requiring annual reports on distribution metrics and program effectiveness to Congress. It aims to strengthen local food supply chains, reduce farm waste, and improve access to fresh produce for vulnerable communities.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Sep 2023
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced Sep 20, 2023
Last action Jan 11, 2024
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
2
Jan 11, 2024
Committee
Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture.
lower
Sep 20, 2023
Committee
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
lower
Sep 20, 2023
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
1 primary · 18 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Rosa L. DeLauro
DDemocratic
Co
Alma S. Adams
DDemocratic
Co
Brittany Pettersen
DDemocratic
Co
Chellie Pingree
DDemocratic
Co
David G. Valadao
RRepublican
Co
David J. Trone
DDemocratic
Co
Doug LaMalfa
RRepublican
Co
Dwight Evans
DDemocratic
Co
Earl Blumenauer
DDemocratic
Co
Eleanor Holmes Norton
DDemocratic
Co
Eric Sorensen
DDemocratic
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