HR 5589 United States House · 118th Congress

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
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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