Explanation of H.R. 6203 - Farmers Feeding America Act of 2023

This bill, introduced by Ms. Salinas, Mr. Panetta, and Ms. Crockett, aims to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 and the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 for several purposes, including making commodities available for the Emergency Food Assistance Program.

Section 1 - Short Title

The bill may be referred to as the "Farmers Feeding America Act of 2023."

Section 2 - Availability of Commodities for the Emergency Food Assistance Program

This section amends Section 27(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to change the year from "2023" to "2028" in several instances. It also adds a new provision to allocate $500,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to the Emergency Food Assistance Program.

Section 3 - Emergency Food Program Storage and Distribution

This section amends Section 204(a)(1) of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to increase the funding from "$100,000,000" to "$200,000,000" for the Emergency Food Assistance Program.

Section 4 - Emergency Food Program Infrastructure Grants

This section amends Section 209(d) of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to change the year from "2023" to "2028."

Section 5 - Geographically Isolated States

This section amends Section 214 of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to include alternative delivery options for geographically isolated states, such as Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands of the United States, and Guam. The Secretary of Agriculture is required to coordinate with these states to establish delivery options for commodities and allow them to order commodities through the Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. The Secretary may also transfer cash value for up to 20% of the commodities allocated to geographically isolated states for the states to purchase domestically grown food instead.

This section also adds a new provision allowing the Secretary to consider factors beyond the lowest price, such as product variety and transportation distance, when purchasing fresh produce packages for the program, as long as the goal of maximizing the amount of nutritious food available is maintained.

Overall, the bill aims to increase funding, allocation of commodities, and delivery options for the Emergency Food Assistance Program and enhance the availability of nutritious food for those in need.

Rep. Jason Crow

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