[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 135 (Friday, August 12, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E837]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF THE FARMERS MARKET AND FOOD BANK LOCAL REVITALIZATION 
                              ACT OF 2022

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                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 12, 2022

  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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