Establish food desert produce pilot program

HB 5131 establishes a two-year pilot program through the West Virginia Department of Agriculture to improve access to fresh, affordable produce in food desert communities - defined as areas lacking nutritious food options. The program requires selecting partnering providers to operate weekly markets in three designated food desert communities (including one rural area), with providers obligated to accept multiple payment methods, offer discounted produce packages, and donate surplus to food banks. It directly affects residents in these communities who struggle to access fresh food, while requiring providers to demonstrate reliable supply and include storage/recipe guides. The Department must submit a legislative report within two years detailing participating communities, families served, voucher usage, and recommendations for expanding the program statewide.