Let's Grow Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) (Secretary) to carry out the Green and Healthy Corner Store Initiative to assist qualified convenience stores to expand their offering of fruits and vegetables.
Directs the Secretary to make grants to provide access to farmers' markets for communities with limited access to affordable and nutritious food, particularly areas of predominantly lower-income communities.
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a pilot grant program to allow local and tribal governments to conduct food security assessments.
Directs the Secretary, regarding the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly the food stamp program), to: (1) establish hunger-free communities incentive grants to improve participant access to local fruits and vegetables by providing point-of-purchase incentives, and (2) provide grants to urban farmers' markets for installation of electronic benefit transfer (EBT) systems.
Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for SNAP research, demonstration, and evaluations.
Directs the Secretary to make grants for a Farm-to-Preschool program that fosters the connection between preschools, Head Start programs, childcare or day care centers, kindergarten readiness programs and in-home care facilities with small- or medium-sized agricultural producers to develop an industry-leading preschool nutrition education and meal program.
Establishes in USDA a Healthy Food Financing Initiative to: (1) improve access to healthy foods in underserved areas; (2) create and preserve quality jobs; and (3) revitalize low-income communities by providing loans and grants to eligible food retailers to overcome the higher costs and initial barriers to entry in underserved, urban, suburban, and rural areas.
Directs the Secretary to provide grants for urban and Native American community gardens.
Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make grants to convert abandoned or foreclosed property to urban agricultural use; (2) enter into an agreement with the Corporation for National and Community Service to provide the Corporation with funds to support the creation of the HarvestCorps program; and (3) make grants to establish urban farms, gardens, or aquacultural or other facilities for the production of agricultural or aquacultural products or the raising of livestock for sale in the urban area.
Directs the Secretary to make grants to: (1) assist nonprofit organizations purchase and convert publicly owned land in underserved areas for use as urban farms or community gardens, and (2) implement urban agricultural workforce training programs.
Extends certain payment assistance and conservation access provisions to socially disadvantaged urban farmers and ranchers.
Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) an urban entrepreneurship and microenterprise program, and (2) a local farm business and market garden competitive loan program.
Directs the Secretary to provide commodities to specified nonprofits to provide nutritious food to at-risk school children on weekends and during extended school holidays during the school year. (At-risk school children are those who participate in the school lunch program and reside in an area served by a school in which at least 50% of the students receive free or reduced price meals under the school lunch or breakfast programs.)
Extends: (1) the commodity supplemental food program, and (2) the emergency food assistance program.
Directs the Secretary to provide grants: (1) for equipment and technology to increase food bank efficiency; and (2) to schools, museums, and libraries to increase energy efficiency.
[Congressional Bills 113th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 1933 Introduced in House (IH)]
113th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1933
To provide assistance and opportunity for the creation and support of
sustainable agriculture activities in America's cities and to improve
access to nutrition in America's cities.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
May 9, 2013
Ms. Fudge (for herself, Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas, Mr.
Thompson of Mississippi, Mr. Rangel, Ms. Kaptur, Ms. Pingree of Maine,
Mr. Conyers, and Ms. Chu) introduced the following bill; which was
referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the
Committee on Education and the Workforce, for a period to be
subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration
of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee
concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To provide assistance and opportunity for the creation and support of
sustainable agriculture activities in America's cities and to improve
access to nutrition in America's cities.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Let's Grow Act of
2013''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is the
following:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--IMPROVING ACCESS TO FRESH AND NUTRITIOUS FOOD
Sec. 101. Healthy corner store initiative.
Sec. 102. Virtual farmers' markets.
Sec. 103. Local food insecurity assessments: assessing the unique
nutritional needs of local communities.
Sec. 104. Hunger-free communities.
Sec. 105. EBT farmers market accessibility program.
Sec. 106. Farm-to-Preschool program.
Sec. 107. Extension of pilot projects to evaluate health and nutrition
promotion in the supplemental nutrition
assistance program.
Sec. 108. Expanding and improving the affordability and nutritional
integrity of the USDA Fresh Fruit and
Vegetable Program.
TITLE II--CREATION OF THE HEALTHY FOOD FINANCING INITIATIVE
Sec. 201. Purpose and definitions.
Sec. 202. Establishment of Healthy Food Financing Initiative and
eligible projects.
Sec. 203. Duties of Secretary.
Sec. 204. National fund manager.
Sec. 205. Allocation and use of funds.
Sec. 206. Partnerships.
Sec. 207. Evaluation and monitoring.
Sec. 208. Administrative provisions.
Sec. 209. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE III--DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE URBAN AGRICULTURE
Sec. 301. Community gardening grant program.
Sec. 302. Grants for conversion of abandoned and foreclosed property to
urban agricultural uses.
Sec. 303. Expansion of HarvestCorps program.
Sec. 304. Acquisition of publically owned land and conversion to urban
farms and community gardens.
Sec. 305. Urban agricultural workforce training pilot program.
Sec. 306. Urban agriculture development grants program.
Sec. 307. Clean and safe drinking water for urban areas and waterways.
Sec. 308. Extension of assistance to socially disadvantaged urban
farmers and ranchers.
Sec. 309. Urban entrepreneur and microenterprise assistance program.
Sec. 310. Local farm business and market garden competitive loan
program.
TITLE IV--ERADICATING HUNGER
Sec. 401. Weekends and holidays without hunger.
Sec. 402. Expansion and modernization of the commodity supplemental
food program.
Sec. 403. Expansion and modernization of the emergency food assistance
program.
Sec. 404. Food bank equipment and technology program.
TITLE V--GO GREEN
Sec. 501. Green and Sustainable Schools, Museums, and Libraries Grant
Program.
TITLE I--IMPROVING ACCESS TO FRESH AND NUTRITIOUS FOOD
SEC. 101. HEALTHY CORNER STORE INITIATIVE.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall carry out a
program, to be known as the Green and Healthy Corner Store Initiative,
of awarding grants to units of general local government, nonprofit
organizations, and tribal governments to assist qualified convenience
stores to expand and sustain their offering of fruits and vegetables.
(b) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary
shall give priority to applicants proposing to provide assistance to
qualified convenience stores in low-income communities.
(c) Assistance.--Assistance provided to a qualified convenience
store pursuant to this section may include the following:
(1) Seed money for the purchase of fruits and vegetables
and for equipment needed to sell fruits and vegetables, such as
but not limited to refrigerators.
(2) Seed money for converting to energy-saving equipment,
such as but not limited to energy-efficient lighting and
refrigerators and a ductless HVAC system, to minimize the
additional energy costs associated with the refrigeration
needed to stock fruits and vegetables.
(3) Educational tools and information on the importance of
fresh fruits and vegetables.
(4) Simple recipes to assist customers in healthy food
preparation.
(d) Requirements for Convenience Stores.--As a condition on receipt
of funds under this section, a grantee shall agree to ensure that any
qualified convenience store receiving assistance through the grant
will--
(1) maintain its expanded offering of fruits and vegetables
for a minimum time to be determined by the Secretary;
(2) limit the number of its advertisements for alcoholic
beverages and cigarettes and offer at least an equal amount of
advertising for fruits and vegetables;
(3) place advertisements for fruits and vegetables
prominently in the front of the store;
(4) advertise that the store is participating in the Green
and Healthy Corner Store Initiative; and
(5) work to partner with rural and urban farmers markets to
obtain fruits and vegetables for sale.
(e) Cooperation Among Stores To Decrease Prices.--The Secretary
shall encourage grant recipients under this section to encourage
qualified convenience stores receiving assistance through the grant to
combine efforts with other convenience stores when ordering fruits and
vegetables from distributors in an effort to decrease the price of such
goods.
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``Bureau-funded school'' has the meaning given
to such term in section 1141 of the Education Amendments of
1978 (25 U.S.C. 2021).
(2) The terms ``elementary school'', ``local educational
agency'', and ``secondary school'' have the meanings given to
such terms in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
(3) The term ``low-income communities'' includes--
(A) communities with a high percentage of children
eligible for free and reduced priced lunches under the
Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C.
1751 et seq.); and
(B) any other communities determined by the
Secretary to be low-income for purposes of this
section.
(4) The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
Agriculture.
(5) The term ``qualified convenience store'' means a
convenience store located within a quarter mile of an
elementary school or a secondary school that is a public school
or a Bureau-funded school.
SEC. 102. VIRTUAL FARMERS' MARKETS.
(a) Establishment of Grant Program.--From the amounts appropriated
to carry out this section, the Secretary of Agriculture shall award
grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities to enable such
entities to carry out a program that provides access to farmers'
markets to communities that are food deserts.
(b) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity receiving a grant under this
section shall use such funds for the following:
(1) Purchasing virtual farmers market software (including
computer kiosks and swipe card stations), or entering into a
contract with an eligible organization to develop and maintain
the technology necessary, to carry out a virtual farmers market
program to enable individuals and organizations in communities
that are food deserts to order and purchase fruits and
vegetables and other healthy food items using such technology.
(2) Training staff to--
(A) assist individuals and organizations in
communities that are food deserts to order and purchase
food products under the program described in paragraph
(1); and
(B) purchase and order food products under the
program for the eligible entity.
(3) Packaging food products purchased under the program in
manner that makes transportation of the products possible by
foot.
(4) Paying staff to manage the program, and package and
assist in the distribution and delivery of food products
purchased under the program.
(5) Raising public awareness about the program.
(6) Developing simple food preparation strategies and menus
for customers of the program.
(7) Coordinating with the Secretary of Agriculture to
develop mechanisms to enable reimbursement under the
supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the
Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) for
purchases made under the program.
(8) Purchasing or rehabilitating buses, including buses
that were formerly used as school buses, that may be used to
transport to the eligible entity--
(A) the foods ordered and purchased under the
program using the technology described in paragraph
(1); or
(B) other fruits and vegetables that meet the
requirements of subsection (e) in order to provide
additional opportunities for individuals and
organizations in communities that are food deserts to
purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables.
(c) Application.--In order to receive a grant under this section,
an eligible entity shall submit an application to the Secretary at such
time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary
may require.
(d) Grant Amount.--A grant awarded under this section may not be
greater than $10,000.
(e) Limitations on Food Purchased.--To the extent practicable, the
majority of food purchased under a virtual farmers market program
carried out by an eligible entity under this section shall be from
farmers located within a 50-mile radius of the site where the food is
ordered and delivered under the program, except in the case where the
eligible entity demonstrates to the Secretary that no such farmers
exist or that the farmers are not able to provide a sufficient variety
or amount of food for the purposes of the program.
(f) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the first fiscal year for
which funds are appropriated to carry out this section, the Secretary
shall report to Congress on the progress made in carrying out programs
funded by grants under this section, including--
(1) the number of individuals served by such programs and
the barriers and opportunities for additional such programs;
and
(2) how such programs have increased access or encouraged
permanent farmers markets to be established near communities
that are food deserts.
(g) Definitions.--In this section--
(1) Bureau-funded school.--The term ``bureau-funded
school'' has the meaning given such term in section 1146 of the
Education Amendments of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 2026).
(2) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means an
entity that predominantly serves communities that are food
deserts, including--
(A) a local educational agency or bureau-funded
school;
(B) a nonprofit, community-based organization or
entity (including a park and recreation department,
recreation center, child care facility, or senior
center);
(C) a convenience store; or
(D) other entity that the Secretaries deem to be an
eligible entity.
(3) Eligible organization.--The term ``eligible
organization'' means an organization with expertise in
developing and maintaining a virtual farmers market.
(4) Local educational agency.--The term ``local educational
agency'' has the meaning given such term in section 9101 of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
7801).
(5) Food desert.--The term ``food desert'' has the meaning
given such term in section 7527(a) of the Food, Conservation,
and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-234).
(6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture.
(7) Swipe card stations.--The term ``swipe card stations''
shall include support for the use of electronic benefit
transfer cards.
(8) Virtual farmers market.--The term ``virtual farmers
market'' means an online grocery store that enables individuals
to purchase foods from local farms and distributors.
SEC. 103. LOCAL FOOD INSECURITY ASSESSMENTS: ASSESSING THE UNIQUE
NUTRITIONAL NEEDS OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall
establish a 3-year pilot program to award grants to local and tribal
governments, on a competitive basis, to allow such local and tribal
governments, in partnership with the local community organizations
under subsection (e), to--
(1) conduct a food security assessment; and
(2) make an inventory of the system in order to identify
the strengths and gaps in such system.
(b) Data Points for Assessment.--For purposes of conducting an
Assessment and making an inventory under a grant under subsection (a),
with respect to the community served by a local or tribal government,
such government shall examine the following food security and food
system issues in the community:
(1) The prevalence of childhood obesity.
(2) The availability of safe routes to school for children.
(3) The quality of food served in school and child care
settings.
(4) The availability of supermarkets.
(5) The cost and availability of fresh fruits and
vegetables.
(6) The concentration of convenience stores, and other food
vendors that sell a disproportionate amount of foods that are
not fresh fruits and vegetables.
(7) The availability of products.
(8) The concentration of fast food restaurants.
(9) The availability of green space or recreation areas,
and the extent to which such space or areas encourage physical
activity by adults and children.
(10) Any other issues determined to be relevant by the
local or tribal government.
(11) Any other issues determined to be relevant by the
Secretary of Health and Human Services.
(c) Number of Sites.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services,
in awarding grants under subsection (a), shall award grants to no more
than--
(1) 20 local governments; and
(2) 5 tribal governments.
(d) Priority.--In awarding grants under subsection (a), the
Secretary of Health and Human Services shall give priority to those
local and tribal governments that serve communities with the highest
concentrations of poverty.
(e) Requirement of Partnerships.--In order to qualify for a grant
under subsection (a), a local or tribal government shall demonstrate,
to the satisfaction of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, that
the local or tribal government has entered into a partnership (for the
purpose of conducting an assessment and making an inventory under
subsection (a)) with at least one of the following local community
organizations:
(1) A nonprofit community-based organization or entity.
(2) A developer or urban planning institution.
(3) An accredited college or university.
SEC. 104. HUNGER-FREE COMMUNITIES.
Section 4405 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 7517) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the
following:
``(1) Eligible entity.--
``(A) Collaborative grants.--In subsection (b), the
term `eligible entity' means a public food program
service provider or nonprofit organization, including
an emergency feeding organization, that has
collaborated or will collaborate with 1 or more local
partner organizations to achieve at least 1 hunger-free
communities goal.
``(B) Incentive grants.--In subsection (c), the
term `eligible entity' means a nonprofit organization
(including an emergency feeding organization), an
agricultural cooperative, producer network or
association, community health organization, public
benefit corporation, economic development corporation,
farmers' market, community-supported agriculture
program, buying club, supplemental nutrition assistance
program retail food store, a State, local, or tribal
agency, and any other entity the Secretary
designates.''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Supplemental nutrition assistance program.--The term
`supplemental nutrition assistance program' means the
supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the
Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.).
``(5) Underserved community.--The term `underserved
community' has the meaning given the term in section 25 of the
Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2034).'';
(2) in subsection (b)(1)(A), by striking ``not more than 50
percent of any funds made available under subsection (e)'' and
inserting ``funds made available under subsection (d)(1)''; and
(3) by striking subsections (c), (d), and (e) and inserting
the following:
``(c) Hunger-Free Communities Incentive Grants.--
``(1) Authorization.--
``(A) In general.--In each of the years specified
in subsection (d), the Secretary shall make grants to
eligible entities in accordance with paragraph (2).
``(B) Federal share.--The Federal share of the cost
of carrying out an activity under this subsection shall
not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the
activity.
``(C) Non-federal share.--
``(i) In general.--The non-Federal share of
the cost of an activity under this subsection
may be provided--
``(I) in cash or in-kind
contributions as determined by the
Secretary, including facilities,
equipment, or services; and
``(II) by a State or local
government or a private source.
``(ii) Limitation.--In the case of a for-
profit entity, the non-Federal share described
in clause (i) shall not include services of an
employee, including salaries paid or expenses
covered by the employer.
``(2) Criteria.--
``(A) In general.--For purposes of this subsection,
an eligible entity is a governmental agency or
nonprofit organization that--
``(i) meets the application criteria set
forth by the Secretary; and
``(ii) proposes a project that, at a
minimum--
``(I) has the support of the State
agency;
``(II) would increase the purchase
of fruits and vegetables by low-income
consumers participating in the
supplemental nutrition assistance
program by providing incentives at the
point of purchase;
``(III) agrees to participate in
the evaluation described in paragraph
(4);
``(IV) ensures that the same terms
and conditions apply to purchases made
by individuals with benefits issued
under this Act and incentives provided
for in this subsection as apply to
purchases made by individuals who are
not members of households receiving
benefits, such as provided for in
section 278.2(b) of title 7, Code of
Federal Regulations (or a successor
regulation); and
``(V) includes effective and
efficient technologies for benefit
redemption systems that may be
replicated in other for States and
communities.
``(B) Priority.--In awarding grants under this
section, the Secretary shall give priority to projects
that--
``(i) maximize the share of funds used for
direct incentives to participants;
``(ii) use direct-to-consumer sales
marketing;
``(iii) demonstrate a track record of
designing and implementing successful nutrition
incentive programs that connect low-income
consumers and agricultural producers;
``(iv) provide locally or regionally
produced fruits and vegetables;
``(v) are located in underserved
communities; or
``(vi) address other criteria as
established by the Secretary.
``(3) Applicability.--
``(A) In general.--The value of any benefit
provided to a participant in any activity funded under
this subsection shall not be considered income or
resources for any purpose under any Federal, State, or
local law.
``(B) Prohibition on collection of sales taxes.--
Each State shall ensure that no State or local tax is
collected on a purchase of food under this subsection.
``(C) No limitation on benefits.--A grant made
available under this subsection shall not be used to
carry out any project that limits the use of benefits
under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011
et seq.) or any other Federal nutrition law.
``(D) Household allotment.--Assistance provided
under this subsection to households receiving benefits
under the supplemental nutrition assistance program
shall not--
``(i) be considered part of the
supplemental nutrition assistance program
benefits of the household; or
``(ii) be used in the collection or
disposition of claims under section 13 of the
Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2022).
``(4) Evaluation.--
``(A) Independent evaluation.--The Secretary shall
provide for an independent evaluation of projects
selected under this subsection that measures the impact
of each project on--
``(i) improving the nutrition and health
status of participating households receiving
incentives under this subsection; and
``(ii) increasing fruit and vegetable
purchases in participating households.
``(B) Requirement.--The independent evaluation
under subparagraph (A) shall use rigorous methodologies
capable of producing scientifically valid information
regarding the effectiveness of a project.
``(C) Costs.--The Secretary may use funds not to
exceed 10 percent of the funding provided to carry out
this section to pay costs associated with
administering, monitoring, and evaluating each project.
``(d) Funding.--
``(1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out subsection (b) $5,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
``(2) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity
Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out
subsection (c)--
``(A) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2014;
``(B) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015
through 2017; and
``(C) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.''.
SEC. 105. EBT FARMERS MARKET ACCESSIBILITY PROGRAM.
(a) Authority for Program.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall
develop and carry out a program to make grants to entities that operate
farmers markets in urban areas for the purchase of equipment and to
finance the installation of equipment necessary to operate EBT systems
at farmers markets.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years in the 8-year period beginning on the October 1 of the
first fiscal year that begins after the date of the enactment of this
Act.
SEC. 106. FARM-TO-PRESCHOOL PROGRAM.
(a) Authority for Program.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall
develop and carry out a grant program to make grants to community-based
and nonprofit organizations to develop a Farm-to-Preschool program that
fosters the connection between preschools, Head Start programs,
childcare or daycare centers, kindergarten readiness programs in K-12
school districts, and in-home care facilities, with small- or medium-
sized agricultural producers, for the purposes of--
(1) developing an industry-leading preschool nutrition
education and meal program designed to help prevent the onset
of childhood obesity and develop foundational healthy eating
and lifestyle habits,
(2) creating nutritious and healthy made-from-scratch meals
and menus using recipes that include mostly locally grown and
produced organic foods,
(3) developing recipes and menus that will serve as a tool
for parent awareness, access to healthy food, food preparation,
and eating, and engagement in nutrition education,
(4) developing experiential educational curricula centered
around farms, farmers' markets, and school gardens for parents
and children,
(5) replicating ``Farm-to-Preschool'' parent awareness and
engagement in nutrition education, healthy eating and food
preparation nationally,
(6) supporting local and regional agriculture communities,
and
(7) promoting the institutionalization of preschool
wellness policies.
(b) Availability and Use of Grants.--The Secretary shall make
grants under subsection (a)--
(1) to be used--
(A) to support the initial costs of implementing a
new, or expanding an existing, Farm-to-Preschool
program,
(B) in an amount not to exceed $250,000 to support
the training and access to resources and information
necessary to conduct a successful Farm-to-Preschool
program, or
(C) in an amount not to exceed $50,000 to support
the cost of conducting research, identifying resources,
and developing partnerships to design a successful and
sustainable Farm-to-Preschool program,
(2) to eligible entities that agree to provide, in cash or
in kind, not less that 20 percent of the cost of the use for
which the respective grants are made, and
(3) to achieve to the maximum extent practicable
geographical diversity and grantee participation in urban,
rural and tribal communities.
(c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the first fiscal year for
which funds are appropriated to carry out this section, the Secretary
of Agriculture shall report to Congress on the progress made in
carrying out programs funded by grants under this section, including
preschool nutrition education curricula centered around farms, farmers'
markets, and school gardens, and the institutionalization of preschool
wellness policies.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated for fiscal years 2014 through 2018 in the aggregate
$10,000,000 to carry out this section.
SEC. 107. EXTENSION OF PILOT PROJECTS TO EVALUATE HEALTH AND NUTRITION
PROMOTION IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM.
Section 17(k)(5)(A) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2036(k)(5)(A)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 108. EXPANDING AND IMPROVING THE AFFORDABILITY AND NUTRITIONAL
INTEGRITY OF THE USDA FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PROGRAM.
Subsection (b) of section 19 of the Richard B. Russell National
School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769a(b)) is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Program.--A school participating in the program--
``(1) shall make free fruits and vegetables available to
students throughout the school day (or at such other times as
are considered appropriate by the Secretary) in 1 or more areas
designated by the school; and
``(2) may make free fruits and vegetables in any other form
(such as fresh, frozen, dried, pureed, or canned) available to
students throughout the school day (or at such other times as
are considered appropriate by the Secretary) in 1 or more areas
designated by the school only if such fruits and vegetables
meet any additional nutrition specifications, as established by
the Secretary.''.
TITLE II--CREATION OF THE HEALTHY FOOD FINANCING INITIATIVE
SEC. 201. PURPOSE AND DEFINITIONS.
(a) Purpose.--The purpose of the Healthy Food Financing Initiative
is to improve access to healthy foods in underserved areas, to create
and preserve quality jobs, and to revitalize low-income communities by
providing loans and grants to retailers of fresh and healthy food to
overcome the higher costs and initial barriers to entry in underserved
urban, suburban, and rural areas.
(b) Definitions.--In this title:
(1) Community development financial institution.--The term
``community development financial institution'' has the meaning
given the term in section 103 of the Community Development
Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994 (12 U.S.C.
4702).
(2) Expand or preserve the availability of fresh fruits and
vegetables in underserved areas.--The term ``expand or preserve
the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables in underserved
areas'' means--
(A) in the case of a project not involving a
regional food hub, a project that--
(i) carries a variety of fresh produce, as
defined by the national fund manager to reflect
differences in project size and type;
(ii) sells food for home preparation and
consumption; and
(iii) at a minimum--
(I) offers for sale at least 3
different varieties of food in each of
the 4 staple food groups (bread and
grains, dairy, fruits and vegetables,
and meat, poultry, and fish), with
perishable food in at least 2
categories, on a daily basis; or
(II) has at least 50 percent of the
total sales of the store (including
food and nonfood items or services)
from the sale of eligible staple food;
and
(B) in the case of a regional food hub, a project
that--
(i) supplies a variety of fresh produce to
a healthy food retailer located in an
underserved, low- and moderate-income area; and
(ii) participates in the supplemental
nutrition assistance program established under
the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2011 et seq.).
(3) Farmers' market.--The term ``farmers' market'' means a
common facility or area in which several agricultural producers
gather on a regular and recurring basis to sell a variety of
fresh fruits and vegetables and other locally grown
agricultural products directly to consumers.
(4) Food access organization.--The term ``food access
organization'' means a nonprofit organization with expertise in
improving access to healthy food in underserved communities.
(5) Healthy food retailer.--The term ``healthy food
retailer'' means a commercial, cooperative, and nonprofit
seller of fresh or healthy food, including a grocery store,
mobile healthy food retailer, farmers' market, cooperative,
corner store, bodega, or other store that sells other food and
non-food options along with a full range of fresh or healthy
foods.
(6) Initiative.--The term ``Initiative'' means the Healthy
Food Financing Initiative.
(7) Local funds.--The term ``local funds'' means the
allocation of national funds and any other forms of financial
assistance (including grants, loans, and equity investments)
that are raised by partnerships to carry out the purposes of
the Initiative.
(8) National funds.--The term ``national funds'' means
amounts appropriated to carry out the Initiative and any other
forms of financial assistance (including grants, loans, and
equity investments) that are raised by the national fund
manager to carry out the Initiative.
(9) National fund manager.--The term ``national fund
manager'' means a community development financial institution
in existence as of the date of enactment of this Act and
certified by the Community Development Financial Institutions
Fund of the Department of the Treasury that is designated by
the Secretary to manage the Initiative for purposes of--
(A) raising private capital;
(B) providing financial and technical assistance to
partnerships; and
(C) funding eligible projects directly at the
request of partnerships to attract retailers of healthy
food to underserved urban, suburban, and rural areas in
accordance with this title.
(10) Partnership.--
(A) In general.--The term ``partnership'' means a
regional, State, or local public and private
partnership that is organized to improve access to
healthy foods by providing financial and technical
assistance to eligible projects.
(B) Inclusions.--The term includes--
(i) an unit of State, local, or tribal
government or a quasi-public State or local
government agency;
(ii) a food access or community health
organization committed to improving access to
healthy foods;
(iii) a community development financial
institution or other organization that is
capable of administering a loan and grant
program in accordance with this title; and
(iv) other organizations interested in
improving access to healthy foods in
underserved areas.
(11) Perishable food.--
(A) In general.--The term ``perishable food'' means
food that is fresh, refrigerated, or frozen.
(B) Exclusion.--The term ``perishable food'' does
not include packaged or canned goods.
(12) Regional food hub.--The term ``regional food hub''
means a business or organization that actively manages the
aggregation, distribution, and marketing of source-identified
food products primarily from local and regional producers to
strengthen the ability of the producers to satisfy wholesale,
retail, and institutional demand.
(13) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture.
(14) Serve.--The term ``serve'' means, with respect to a
regional food hub, that the regional food hub, in connection
with an eligible project, supplies fresh produce or other
healthy foods--
(A) to a healthy food retailer that participates in
the supplemental nutrition assistance program
established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 2011 et seq.);
(B) to a healthy food retailer located in a low- or
moderate-income area; and
(C) to institutions such as hospitals, schools, or
food banks that largely serve a low- and moderate-
income area.
(15) Staple food.--
(A) In general.--The term ``staple food'' means
food that is a basic dietary item, including bread,
flour, fruits, vegetables, and meat.
(B) Exclusions.--The term ``staple food'' does not
include snack or accessory food (such as chips, soda,
coffee, condiments, and spices) or ready-to-eat,
prepared food.
(16) Variety.--The term ``variety'' means an assortment of
different types of food items.
SEC. 202. ESTABLISHMENT OF HEALTHY FOOD FINANCING INITIATIVE AND
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS.
(a) Establishment.--There is established in the Department of
Agriculture a Healthy Food Financing Initiative.
(b) Management.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall select and enter into a grant
agreement with a national fund manager that will be responsible for the
management of the Initiative.
(c) Eligible Projects.--
(1) Eligibility criteria.--Subject to the requirements of
this section, the national fund manager shall establish the
eligibility criteria for projects to be assisted by the
Initiative.
(2) Required project elements.--To be eligible to receive
assistance through the Initiative, a project shall--
(A) include a supermarket, grocery store, regional
food hub, farmers' market, or other healthy food
retailer;
(B) consist of a for-profit business enterprise, a
member- or worker-owned cooperative, or a nonprofit
organization;
(C) meet the eligibility criteria established under
this section;
(D) continue to be a viable business enterprise
with a financial viability plan;
(E) require an investment of public funding to move
forward and be competitive;
(F) operate on a self-service basis;
(G) expand or preserve the availability of fresh
fruits and vegetables in underserved areas and other
healthy, fresh, high quality unprepared and unprocessed
foods in such areas; and
(H)(i) in the case of a regional food hub, serve
retailers that accept benefits under the supplemental
nutrition assistance program established under the Food
and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.); or
(ii) in the case of a retailer that is not a
regional food hub, agree to accept such benefits.
(d) Income Criteria.--Each eligible project shall be located in or,
in the case of a project involving a regional food hub, shall serve--
(1) a low- or moderate-income census tract, as determined
by the Bureau of the Census of the Department of Commerce;
(2) a population census tract that is treated as a low-
income community under section 45D(e) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986; or
(3) an area that significantly serves an adjacent area that
meets the criteria described in paragraph (1) or (2), as
approved by the national fund manager.
(e) Underserved Criteria.--
(1) In general.--Each eligible project shall be located in,
or in the case of a project involving a regional food hub,
shall serve, an underserved area, as determined by the
partnerships according to criteria established by the national
fund manager.
(2) Factors.--In determining whether an area is an
underserved area, the following factors shall be taken into
consideration:
(A) Population density.
(B) Below average supermarket density or sales.
(C) Car ownership.
(D) Geographical or physical barriers, such as
highways, mountains, major parks, bodies of water, or
areas with large amounts of vacant lots or foreclosed
properties.
(3) Locations.--On an annual basis, the national fund
manager shall collect data and publish maps that show the
location of underserved areas.
(f) Priority Projects.--
(1) In general.--Priority shall be given to projects that--
(A) are located in severely distressed low-income
communities, as defined by the Community Development
Financial Institutions Fund of the Department of the
Treasury; and
(B) include 1 or more of the following
characteristics:
(i) The project will create or retain
quality jobs in the community, as determined in
accordance with paragraph (2).
(ii) The project has community support in
terms of store quality, affordability, site
location, and coordination with local community
plans or other programs promoting community and
economic development.
(iii) The project supports regional food
systems and locally grown foods, to the extent
available.
(iv) In major metropolitan areas, the
project is associated with a transit-oriented
development project.
(v) In areas with public transit, the
project is accessible by public transit.
(vi) The project involves the reuse of a
building that is listed in or eligible for the
National Register of Historic Places.
(vii) The project involves a brownfield or
grayfield (as those terms are used in the
Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42
U.S.C. 9601 et seq.)).
(viii) The estimated energy consumption of
the project, calculated using building energy
software approved by the Department of Energy,
will qualify the project for designation under
the Energy Star program established by section
324A of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act
(42 U.S.C. 6294a).
(ix) The project involves women- and
minority-owned businesses.
(2) Quality jobs.--For purposes of paragraph (1)(B)(i), a
quality job is a job that--
(A) provides wages that are comparable to or better
than similar positions in existing businesses of
similar size in similar local economies;
(B) offers benefits that are comparable to or
better than what is offered for similar positions in
existing local businesses of similar size in similar
local economies; and
(C) is targeted for residents of neighborhoods with
a high proportion of persons of low income (as that
term is defined in section 102(a) of the Housing and
Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5302(a)))
through local targeted hiring programs.
SEC. 203. DUTIES OF SECRETARY.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall--
(1) designate a national fund manager to manage national
funds;
(2) oversee the Initiative nationally;
(3) work closely with the national fund manager--
(A) to ensure that funds are used appropriately and
in the most effective manner practicable; and
(B) to develop the program strategy into a detailed
work plan, program, and operating budget;
(4) review and approve the operating budget for the
national fund manager to ensure that the administrative costs
are--
(A) reasonable (not more than 5 percent of the
total budget);
(B) connected to the costs of operations; and
(C) reflect efficient operations by the national
fund manager; and
(5) make available to the public an annual report, using
data obtained from the Department of Agriculture, the
Department of Health and Human Services, and the community
development financial institutions, that describes the impacts
of the Initiative, including tracking health and economic
development indicators at the local, State, and national levels
to determine the impacts of individual projects and the
collective impact in local areas and statewide of funded
projects and the Initiative overall.
(b) Performance Targets.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct financial
audits of, and establish performance targets for, the national
fund manager, which shall include, at a minimum, the
requirements described in this subsection.
(2) Geographic spread.--Partnerships funded by the
Initiative shall be geographically diverse and representative
of the underserved areas across the United States.
(3) Focus on low-income communities.--A substantial portion
of the projects funded by partnerships shall serve very low-
and low-income communities, as defined by the Bureau of the
Census of the Department of Commerce.
(4) Financial effectiveness of the national fund manager.--
The national fund manager and any local financial institution
involved in a partnership shall demonstrate on-going capacity
and timeliness in raising private capital and disbursing funds
as required under the Initiative.
(5) Technical assistance effectiveness of the national fund
manager.--The provision of technical assistance by the national
fund manager shall be evaluated based on--
(A) the responsiveness of the national fund manager
to requests for assistance; and
(B) the ability of the national fund manager to
craft programs that develop needed new capacities in
partnerships.
(6) Impact.--Performance targets shall address the
allocation of funds by the national fund manager to
partnerships and the tracking and reporting of the impacts of
the funds in improving access to fresh, healthy foods and in
achieving other related impacts.
(c) Disbursement of Funds.--The Secretary shall assist in the
administration of the Initiative by approving the disbursement of funds
to the national fund manager in a manner that facilitates the
implementation of the overall Initiative.
SEC. 204. NATIONAL FUND MANAGER.
(a) Selection of National Fund Manager.--The Secretary shall select
the national fund manager through a competitive process from among
community development financial institutions that have a proven and
recent track record of success and effectiveness in--
(1) attracting private capital;
(2) developing and managing programs that provide grants
and loans to support supermarkets and other healthy food
retailers in low- and moderate-income areas, including the
development of grocery stores, farmers markets, and other
healthy food retailer models;
(3) making and servicing loans that are similar to loans
proposed in the Initiative or having a record of otherwise
successfully investing in the development of healthy food
retailers;
(4) effectively managing multiple contracts and
subcontractors;
(5) effectively managing large capital pools, of at least
$100,000,000; and
(6) providing or contracting for the provision of technical
assistance.
(b) Responsibilities of the National Fund Manager.--The designated
national fund manager shall--
(1) raise other forms of financial assistance to match or
leverage the national funds;
(2) use administrative funds to develop appropriate
training programs and offer technical assistance services to--
(A) partnerships;
(B) State, local, and tribal governments;
(C) the food retail industry; and
(D) food access and health advocacy organizations
to augment local capacities;
(3) develop financial products such as loans, grants, and
credit enhancement tools that can be used by partnerships to
incentivize and support the development and retention of
supermarkets and other healthy food retailers in underserved
areas;
(4) award Initiative funds to eligible partnerships through
an annual competitive process in accordance with section
205(d);
(5) contract with a national food access organization to
assist in the review of applications from partnerships and to
provide technical assistance to local food access organizations
in the proposed partnerships;
(6) award and disburse funds to partnerships or eligible
local projects in a timely manner;
(7) create and meet performance benchmarks and reporting
guidelines, as approved by the Secretary, including for--
(A) the amount of capital raised and leveraged from
financial institutions, partnerships, and other
resources;
(B) the geographic diversity of partnerships; and
(C) the proportion of projects funded by the
partnership that are in severely distressed low-income
communities;
(8) develop program guidelines and operating procedures for
the Initiative, including--
(A) maximum grant and loan amounts for projects;
(B) eligible uses of funds;
(C) prudent underwriting criteria;
(D) performance targets;
(E) reporting guidelines;
(F) limits on administrative costs; and
(G) implementation milestones;
(9) monitor the performance of partnerships; and
(10) collect data, compile information, and conduct such
research studies as the national fund manager determines to be
relevant to the successful implementation of the Initiative,
including--
(A) to assess national and local market conditions;
(B) to determine barriers to market entry; and
(C) to identify opportunities for the development
or retention of supermarkets and other healthy food
retailers in underserved communities.
(c) Work Plan.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 45 days after the date of
receipt of an award, the national fund manager shall develop,
with guidance from and in consultation with the Secretary, and
submit to the Secretary, a detailed work plan.
(2) Approval required.--The Secretary shall review and
approve the work plan, program budget, and administrative costs
under subsection (e)(4)(C) prior to entering into an agreement
with the national fund manager to administer the Initiative.
SEC. 205. ALLOCATION AND USE OF FUNDS.
(a) Allocation.--The national fund manager shall--
(1) allocate at least 70 percent of all funds appropriated
for the Initiative for a fiscal year to partnerships that are
selected based on the criteria described in subsection (d);
(2) use not more than 25 percent of all funds appropriated
for the Initiative for a fiscal year to establish regional food
hubs; and
(3) retain the remainder of the funds appropriated for the
Initiative for a fiscal year to undertake financing activities
described in subsection (c), including a reasonable amount for
administrative costs (not to exceed 5 percent) approved by the
Secretary.
(b) Use of the National Funds by Partnership Programs.--
(1) In general.--As a condition on the receipt of funds,
each partnership shall use--
(A) the national funds received from the national
fund manager under subsection (a)(1) to create 1 or
more revolving loan programs or other revolving pools
of capital or other products to facilitate financing of
local projects as determined by the agreement between
the partnership and the national fund manager; and
(B) any remaining funds for grants, or, as
approved, for innovative financing mechanisms.
(2) Limitations.--
(A) In general.--Use of funds for administrative
costs and other purposes shall be--
(i) limited in accordance with the terms of
the agreement negotiated between the national
fund manager and partnerships;
(ii) based on whether administrative costs
are reasonable, connected to the costs of
operation, and reflect efficient operations by
the partnership; and
(iii) determined using criteria including
geographic coverage, program duration, and
total funding amount.
(B) Goal.--The goal of this paragraph is to limit
administrative costs to the maximum extent practicable,
but in no case may the amount used for administrative
costs exceed 10 percent of the Federal funds allocated.
(c) Use of the National Funds by the National Fund Manager.--The
national fund manager shall use national funds described in subsection
(a)(2) to undertake financing and other activities to enhance and
maximize the effectiveness of the Initiative, as determined by the
agreement with the Secretary, including--
(1) attracting other forms of financial assistance to match
or leverage the national funds;
(2) awarding national funds to partnerships in accordance
with subsection (d);
(3) creating and managing pools of grant or loan capital
that blend or leverage national funds with other forms of
financial assistance, including capital in the form of tax
credits under section 45D of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
for the benefit of partnerships;
(4) creating and managing pools of grant or loan capital
that blend or leverage the national funds with other forms of
financial assistance, including capital in the form of tax
credits under section 45D of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
to finance eligible local projects identified by partnerships
or the national fund manager that have special or unique
characteristics;
(5) providing loans or grants directly to eligible local
projects as matching funds if requested by a partnership;
(6) providing credit enhancement or other financial
products and instruments for the benefit of partnerships or
eligible local projects;
(7) providing technical assistance; and
(8) funding reasonable administrative costs approved by the
Secretary.
(d) Criteria for Awarding National Funds to Partnerships.--
(1) In general.--The national fund manager shall award
national funds to partnerships through a competitive process on
an annual basis.
(2) First round priority.--In the first round of funding,
the national fund manager shall give priority to existing
partnerships that have demonstrable capacity to implement fresh
food financing programs in underserved areas quickly.
(3) Additional rounds.--Additional rounds shall be designed
to promote geographic diversity.
(4) Criteria.--In awarding national funds to partnerships,
the national fund manager shall consider--
(A) the amount of funds and other resources pledged
by a partnership to match or leverage national funds;
(B) the degree of State, local, or tribal
government support of the partnership as evidenced by
matching grant and loan funds or other types of
support, such as allocation of tax-exempt bonds, loan
guarantees, and coordination of resources from other
State or local economic development programs;
(C) the capacity of the partnership to successfully
develop and manage loan and grant programs;
(D) the lack of supermarkets and other healthy food
retailers in low- and moderate-income areas that would
be served by the partnership;
(E) the experience of the food access or community
health organization of the partnership in outreach
about access to healthy foods and local healthy food
access issues;
(F) the degree of community engagement and support
in the development and retention of supermarkets and
other healthy food retailers; and
(G) the contribution of the program of the
partnership to the overall geographic diversity of the
Initiative.
(e) Administrative Costs.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 45 days after the date of
receipt of an award, the national fund manager shall submit to
the Secretary for approval a 3-year program and operating
budget and detailed work plan that shall include--
(A) costs for research and evaluation, technical
assistance, and training; and
(B) program and operating costs.
(2) Earned revenues.--Earned revenues from loan fees and
interest may be expended on program and operating costs in
accordance with the budget approved by the Secretary.
(3) Basis of review.--The Secretary shall base the review
under subparagraph (A) on--
(A) the likelihood of the plan and expenditures to
further the purposes of this section; and
(B) whether the administrative costs are
reasonable, connected to the costs of operation, and
reflect efficient operations by the national fund
manager.
SEC. 206. PARTNERSHIPS.
(a) In General.--Each partnership that receives assistance through
the Initiative shall provide financial and technical assistance to
eligible healthy food retailer projects in underserved areas within the
defined communities of the partnership.
(b) Administration.--Each partnership shall designate a community
development financial institution or other organization that is capable
of administering a loan and grant program--
(1) to execute grant agreements with the national fund
manager; and
(2) to serve as the manager of local funds.
(c) Responsibilities of Partnerships.--A partnership shall--
(1) raise other forms of financial assistance to match the
national funds received by the partnership;
(2) provide marketing and outreach to communities, the
supermarket industry, other healthy food retailers, State and
local government officials, and civic and public interest
organizations--
(A) to solicit applications from underserved areas
from across the State or locality to be served by the
partnership; and
(B) to inform the communities and other persons
about the availability of grants, loans, training, and
technical assistance;
(3) review and underwrite projects to determine whether--
(A) a proposed project meets the criteria for
eligible projects under section __02; and
(B) a proposed project meets the criteria for
priority projects under subsection (g) of such section;
(4) provide technical assistance services to operators and
developers of healthy food retailers;
(5) track and report outcomes, including--
(A) the number of jobs created or retained;
(B) the quantity of healthy food retailer space
created or retained and the quantity of regional food
hub capacity developed; and
(C) such other health and economic indicators as
are required by the national fund manager;
(6) monitor and audit funded projects to ensure compliance
with the Initiative, the national fund manager, and partnership
program requirements for a period of at least 3 years;
(7) submit an annual report to the national fund manager
that describes--
(A) the activities of the partnership;
(B) the expenditure of local funds; and
(C) success in meeting performance targets and
satisfying such other terms and conditions as are
specified in the agreement between the partnership and
the national fund manager; and
(8) coordinate with the national fund manager for the
smooth operation of the Initiative.
(d) Administrative Costs.--
(1) In general.--As a condition on the receipt of
assistance under this section, each partnership shall submit to
the national fund manager for approval a 3-year budget and plan
for all program and operating costs, including--
(A) costs for research and evaluation, technical
assistance, and training; and
(B) administrative and operating costs.
(2) Earned revenues.--Earned revenues from loan fees and
interest may be expended on program and operating costs in
accordance with the budget approved by the national fund
manager.
(3) Basis of review.--The national fund manager shall base
the review of the budget and plan under paragraph (1) on the
likelihood of the budget and plan to further the purposes of
the Initiative.
SEC. 207. EVALUATION AND MONITORING.
(a) In General.--Program evaluation and financial audits shall
occur at all levels of the Initiative to ensure that--
(1) national and local funds are used properly; and
(2) the objectives of the Initiative are met.
(b) Program Evaluation and Financial Audits.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
(A) conduct periodic program evaluations and
financial audits of the national fund manager,
partnerships, and projects funded by the Initiative;
and
(B) share with the national fund manager the
results of the evaluations and audits.
(2) Funded projects.--The Secretary or the national fund
manager shall evaluate partnerships to assess the health and
economic impacts of projects funded by the Initiative.
(3) Other impacts.--
(A) Secretary of health and human services.--The
Secretary of Health and Human Services shall conduct
research studies and evaluate the health impacts of the
Initiative.
(B) Community development financial institutions.--
Representatives of the community development financial
institutions shall conduct research studies and
evaluate the economic impacts of the Initiative.
(4) Partnerships.--
(A) In general.--Each partnership shall--
(i) conduct periodic administrative and
financial audits of projects funded by the
Initiative; and
(ii) share with the national fund manager
the results of the audits.
(B) Failure of partnership.--In a case in which a
partnership fails, the national fund manager shall take
over the portfolio of the failed partnership.
SEC. 208. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Secretary shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to
carry out the Initiative, including regulations--
(1) for the conduct of a performance evaluation at the end
of the initial 5-year period;
(2) to terminate the contract for cause; and
(3) to extend the contract for an additional 5-year period.
SEC. 209. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry
out the Initiative $500,000,000. Amounts appropriated pursuant to this
authorization of appropriation shall remain available until expended.
TITLE III--DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE URBAN AGRICULTURE
SEC. 301. COMMUNITY GARDENING GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Program Established.--From the amounts appropriated to carry
out this section, the Secretary of Agriculture shall award grants to
eligible entities to expand, establish, or maintain urban and Native
American community gardens.
(b) Application.--In order to receive a grant under this section,
an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such
time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary
may require, including--
(1) an assurance that priority for hiring for jobs created
by the expansion, establishment, or maintenance of an urban
community garden funded with a grant received under this
section will be given to individuals who reside in the
community where the garden is located; and
(2) a demonstration that the eligible entity is committed
to providing non-Federal financial or in-kind support (such as,
but not limited to, providing a water supply) for the community
garden for which the entity receives funds under this section.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
(A) a for profit or nonprofit organization; or
(B) a unit of general local government, or tribal
government, located on tribal land or in a low-income
community.
(2) Low-income community.--The term ``low-income
community'' has the meaning given such term by the Secretary of
Agriculture.
(3) Unit of general local government.--The term ``unit of
general local government'' means any city, county, town,
township, parish, village, or other general purpose political
subdivision of a State.
(4) State.--The term ``State'' includes, in addition to the
several States of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, Guam,
American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands.
SEC. 302. GRANTS FOR CONVERSION OF ABANDONED AND FORECLOSED PROPERTY TO
URBAN AGRICULTURAL USES.
(a) Grants Authorized.--The Secretary of Agriculture may make
grants on a competitive basis to assist an eligible entity described in
subsection (b)--
(1) to acquire, by purchase or lease, abandoned or
foreclosed real property in an urban area where there is
limited or no agricultural production; and
(2) to convert the property to an agricultural use
authorized by subsection (c).
(b) Eligible Entities Described.--Grants may be made under this
section to a community organization, municipality, institution of
higher education, local school district, nonprofit organization, or
for-profit entity.
(c) Authorized Agricultural Uses.--Real property acquired using
grant funds may be used for any of the following purposes:
(1) Projects to encourage the production of local foods in
an urban area.
(2) Projects to strengthen local food distribution systems
in an urban area.
(3) Projects to create sustainable food systems in an urban
area.
(4) Projects to create or expand the opportunities to
consume fresh fruits and vegetables in an urban area.
(5) Projects to promote agricultural processing in an urban
area.
(6) Projects to encourage recipients of Federal and State
domestic food assistance programs to purchase locally grown or
produced foods.
(7) Projects to promote education and training related to
best practices for agricultural production in an urban area.
(8) Projects to promote education initiatives that promote
the nutritional benefits of consuming locally produced foods.
(9) Other projects to promote economic development through
agricultural production in an urban area.
(d) Grant Limitation.--The amount of a grant made under this
section shall not exceed $500,000.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary such amounts as may be necessary to carry
out this section.
SEC. 303. EXPANSION OF HARVESTCORPS PROGRAM.
(a) Authority To Fund HarvestCorps Grants.--The Secretary of
Agriculture may enter into an agreement with the Director of the
Corporation for National and Community Service, under which the
Secretary will provide funds to the Corporation for National and
Community Service to make up to 10 annual grants under section 121 of
the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12571) to
support the creation of the HarvestCorps program--
(1) to alleviate poverty and meet the food needs of low-
income people by increasing their access to supportive
programs, such as the Summer Food Service Program, the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, tax credits, and
other programs, that increase the revenue and economic health
of the low-income communities; and
(2) to engage community resources and promote partnerships
that address local food access issues.
(b) Grant Process; Elimination of Cost-Sharing Requirements.--
(1) Competitive process.--Grants funded by the Secretary
under subsection (a) shall be awarded by the Corporation on a
competitive basis. The Corporation shall extend a preference to
eligible entities (as described in section 121(a) of the
National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C.
12571(a))) operating in the 10 States with the highest food
insecurity rates, as measured by the Department of Agriculture.
(2) Grant amount; duration.--A grant funded by the
Secretary under subsection (a) may not exceed $1,000,000 per
year. The grant recipient may not receive a grant under this
section for more than three years.
(3) Matching funds.--The matching funds requirement of
section 121(e) of the National and Community Service Act of
1990 (42 U.S.C. 12571(e)) shall not apply to grants funded by
the Secretary under subsection (a).
(c) Statewide Use of Grant.--The recipient of a grant funded by the
Secretary under subsection (a) shall agree to provide services on a
statewide basis.
(d) Sharing Information.--The Secretary and the Corporation may
provide for the sharing of information concerning HarvestCorps projects
through publications, conferences, and other appropriate forums,
including sharing information with researchers, practitioners, and
other interested parties.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture $10,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2014, 2015, and 2016 to carry out this section.
SEC. 304. ACQUISITION OF PUBLICALLY OWNED LAND AND CONVERSION TO URBAN
FARMS AND COMMUNITY GARDENS.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Food desert.--The term ``food desert'' has the meaning
given the term ``underserved community'' in section 25(a)(3) of
the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2034(a)(3)).
(2) Community land trust.--The term ``community land
trust'' means a community housing development organization, as
such term is defined in section 104(6) of the Cranston-Gonzalez
National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12704(6)), except
that the requirements under subparagraphs (C) and (D) of such
section shall not apply for purposes of this section.
(b) Grants Authorized.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall make
competitive grants to nonprofit organizations, including community land
trusts, to assist the organizations--
(1) to purchase publically owned land in a food desert; and
(2) to convert the land for use as an urban farm or
community garden for the production of affordable, nutritious
foods.
(c) Matching Funds Requirement.--As a condition of receiving a
grant under this section, the nonprofit organization shall provide an
amount of funds equal to not less than the amount of the grant.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture such amounts as may be
necessary to carry out this section.
SEC. 305. URBAN AGRICULTURAL WORKFORCE TRAINING PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) Authority.--The Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with
the Secretary of Labor, shall award not more than 25 grants to eligible
entities to develop and implement urban agricultural workforce training
programs.
(b) Grants.--
(1) Application.--An eligible entity seeking a grant under
this section shall submit to the Secretary of Agriculture an
application containing--
(A) a description of the urban agricultural
workforce training program such entity intends to
develop and implement using grant funds; and
(B) such other information as the Secretary may
require.
(2) Equal amounts.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall
award grants under this section in equal amounts.
(c) Term of Grants; Condition.--
(1) Term.--The term of a grant awarded under this section
shall be two years.
(2) Condition.--
(A) Two-year availability of grant funds.--Each
recipient of a grant under this section shall return to
the Secretary of Agriculture any unused portion of such
grant at the end of the two-year period beginning on
the date the grant was awarded, together with any
earnings on such unused portion.
(B) Amounts returned.--The Secretary of Agriculture
shall return to the general fund of the Treasury of the
United States any amounts returned pursuant to
subparagraph (A).
(d) Use of Grants.--
(1) In general.--An eligible entity that receives a grant
under this section may only use grant funds for the following
purposes:
(A) To develop and implement an urban agricultural
workforce training program in accordance with paragraph
(2).
(B) To provide funding to trainees to defray the
start-up costs for new urban agricultural businesses of
such trainees.
(2) Urban agricultural activities.--An urban agricultural
workforce training program developed and implemented by an
eligible entity receiving a grant under this section shall
provide training for individuals to carry out any of the
following urban agricultural activities:
(A) Designing, constructing, and maintaining
biocellar structures.
(B) Community gardening.
(C) Urban farming.
(D) Viticulture.
(E) Agricultural education.
(F) Rehabilitating land for agricultural use.
(G) Developing farmers' markets.
(H) Transporting fresh, local food.
(I) Developing mobile pantries for fresh produce.
(3) Limitation.--Not less than 30 percent of the amount
received through a grant awarded under this section shall be
used to provide the funding described in paragraph (1)(B).
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
(A) a unit of general local government located in
an urban area (as defined by the Bureau of the Census);
(B) a tribal government;
(C) an accredited college or university; or
(D) a nonprofit organization.
(2) State.--The term ``State'' includes, in addition to the
several States of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, Guam,
American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands.
(3) Unit of general local government.--The term ``unit of
general local government'' means any city, county, town,
township, parish, village, or other general purpose political
subdivision of a State.
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2014 through 2018.
SEC. 306. URBAN AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture may make grants to
persons to cover the cost of establishing or operating a farm, garden,
or aquacultural or other facility, in an urban area, for the production
of an agricultural or aquacultural product or the raising of livestock
for sale exclusively in the urban area.
(b) Limitations on Use of Grant.--A person to whom a grant is made
under subsection (a) shall not use the grant for any expense other than
for community educational programming, transportation, equipment,
utilities, construction, rehabilitation of property, feed, or operating
expenses (excluding salaries).
(c) Limitations on Authorization of Appropriations.--For grants
under subsection (a), there are authorized to be appropriated to the
Secretary of Agriculture not more than $8,000,000,000 for each fiscal
year.
SEC. 307. CLEAN AND SAFE DRINKING WATER FOR URBAN AREAS AND WATERWAYS.
Section 1234(c)(3)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3834(c)(3)(B)) is amended by inserting ``, or the extent to which water
quality in a metropolitan statistical area (as defined by the Director
of the Office of Management and Budget) downstream from the land that
is the subject of the contract offer may be improved'' before the
period at the end.
SEC. 308. EXTENSION OF ASSISTANCE TO SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED URBAN
FARMERS AND RANCHERS.
(a) Eligible Land.--Section 1240A(1)(B)(vi) of the Food Security
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-1(1)(B)(vi)) is amended by inserting
``urban agricultural land,'' before ``and agricultural land''.
(b) Increased Payments for Certain Producers.--Section
1240B(d)(4)(A) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-
2(d)(4)(A)) is amended by inserting ``, including a socially
disadvantaged farmer engaged in farming in an urban area of 50,000 or
more people,'' before ``or a beginning farmer or rancher,''.
(c) Assistance to Certain Farmers or Ranchers for Conservation
Access.--Section 1241(g)(1)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3841(g)(1)(B)) is amended by inserting ``, including socially
disadvantaged farmers engaged in farming in an urban area of 50,000 or
more people'' before the period at the end.
SEC. 309. URBAN ENTREPRENEUR AND MICROENTERPRISE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Subtitle D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act is
amended by inserting after section 365 (7 U.S.C. 2008) the following:
``SEC. 366. URBAN ENTREPRENEUR AND MICROENTERPRISE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Economically disadvantaged microentrepreneur.--The
term `economically disadvantaged microentrepreneur' means an
owner, majority owner, or developer of a microenterprise that
has the ability to compete in the private sector but has been
impaired because of diminished capital and credit
opportunities, as compared to other microentrepreneurs in the
industry.
``(2) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian tribe' has the
meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b).
``(3) Intermediary.--The term `intermediary' means a
private, nonprofit entity that provides assistance--
``(A) to a microenterprise development
organization; or
``(B) for a microenterprise development program.
``(4) Low-income individual.--The term low-income
individual means an individual with an income (adjusted for
family size) of not more than the greatest of--
``(A) 80 percent of median income of an area;
``(B) 80 percent of the statewide non-metropolitan
area median income; or
``(C) 80 percent of the national median income.
``(5) Microcredit.--The term `microcredit' means a business
loan or loan guarantee of not more than $50,000 that is
provided to an urban entrepreneur.
``(6) Microenterprise.--The term `microenterprise' means--
``(A) a sole proprietorship; or
``(B) a business entity with not more than 10 full-
time-equivalent employees.
``(7) Microenterprise development organization.--
``(A) In general.--The term `microenterprise
development organization' means a private, nonprofit
entity that--
``(i) provides training and technical
assistance to urban entrepreneurs; and
``(ii) facilitates access to capital or
another service described in subsection (b) for
urban entrepreneurs.
``(B) Inclusions.--The term `microenterprise
development organization' includes an organization
described in subparagraph (A) with a demonstrated
record of delivering services to economically
disadvantaged microentrepreneurs, or an effective plan
to develop a program to deliver microenterprise
services to urban entrepreneurs effectively, as
determined by the Secretary.
``(8) Microenterprise development program.--The term
`microenterprise development organization' means a program
administered by an organization serving an urban area.
``(9) Microentrepreneur.--The term `microentrepreneur'
means the owner, operator, or developer of a microenterprise.
``(10) Program.--The term `program' means the urban
entrepreneur and microenterprise program established under
subsection (b)(1).
``(11) Qualified organization.--The term `qualified
organization' means--
``(A) a microenterprise development organization or
microenterprise development program that has a
demonstrated record of delivering microenterprise
services to urban entrepreneurs, or an effective plan
to develop a program to deliver microenterprise
services to urban entrepreneurs effectively, as
determined by the Secretary;
``(B) an intermediary that has a demonstrated
record of delivery assistance to microenterprise
development organizations or microenterprise
development programs;
``(C) a microenterprise development organization or
microenterprise development program that serves urban
entrepreneurs;
``(D) an Indian tribe, the tribal government of
which certifies to the Secretary that no
microenterprise development organization or
microenterprise development program exists under the
jurisdiction of the Indian tribe;
``(E) a group of 2 or more organizations or Indian
tribes described in any of subparagraphs (A) through
(D) that agree to act jointly as a qualified
organization under this section; or
``(F) for purposes of subsection (b), a public
college or university.
``(12) Urban area.--The term `urban area' means any
community that is urban in character and has--
``(A) a population of more than 25,000 individuals;
or
``(B) an average population density of at least
1,000 individuals per square mile.
``(13) Urban capacity building service.--The term `urban
capacity building service' means a service provided to an
organization that--
``(A) is, or is in the process of becoming, a
microenterprise development organization or
microenterprise development program; and
``(B) serves urban areas for the purpose of
enhancing the ability of the organization to provide
training, technical assistance, and other related
services to urban entrepreneurs.
``(14) Urban entrepreneur.--The term `urban entrepreneur'
means a microentrepreneur, or prospective microentrepreneur--
``(A) the principal place of business of which is
in a urban area; and
``(B) that is unable to obtain sufficient training,
technical assistance, or microcredit elsewhere, as
determined by the Secretary.
``(15) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
of Agriculture, acting through the Rural Business-Cooperative
Service.
``(16) Tribal government.--The term `tribal government'
means the governing body of an Indian tribe.
``(b) Urban Entrepreneurship and Microenterprise Program.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish an
urban entrepreneurship and microenterprise program.
``(2) Purpose.--The purpose of the program shall be to
provide low-income individuals and moderate-income individuals
with--
``(A) the skills necessary to establish new small
businesses in urban areas; and
``(B) continuing technical and financial assistance
as individuals and business starting or operating small
businesses.
``(3) Grants.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may make a grant
under the program to a qualified organization--
``(i) to provide training, operational
support, or an urban capacity building service
to a qualified organization to assist the
qualified organization in developing
microenterprise training, technical assistance,
market development assistance, and other
related services, primarily for business with 5
or fewer full-time-equivalent employees;
``(ii) to assist in researching and
developing the best practices in delivering
training, technical assistance, and microcredit
to urban entrepreneurs; and
``(iii) to carry out such other projects
and activities as the Secretary determines to
be consistent with the purposes of this
section.
``(B) Subgrants.--Subject to such regulations as
the Secretary may promulgate, a qualified organization
that receives a grant under this paragraph may use the
grant to provide assistance to other qualified
organizations, such as small or emerging qualified
organizations.
``(C) Diversity.--In making grants under this
paragraph, the Secretary shall ensure, to the maximum
extent practicable, that grant recipients include
qualified organizations--
``(i) of varying sizes; and
``(ii) that serve racially- and ethnically-
diverse populations.
``(D) Cost sharing.--
``(i) Federal share.--The Federal share of
the cost of a project carried out using funds
from a grant made under this paragraph shall be
75 percent.
``(ii) Form of non-federal share.--The non-
Federal share of the cost of a project
described in clause (i) may be provided--
``(I) in cash (including through
fees, grants (including community
development block grants), and gifts);
or
``(II) in kind.
``(4) Urban microloan program.--
``(A) Establishment.--In carrying out the program,
the Secretary may carry out an urban microloan program.
``(B) Purpose.--The purpose of the urban microloan
program shall be to provide technical and financial
assistance to sole proprietorships and small businesses
located in urban areas with a particular focus on those
businesses with 5 or fewer full-time equivalent
employees.
``(C) Authority of secretary.--In carrying out the
urban microloan program, the Secretary may--
``(i) make direct loans to qualified
organizations for the purpose of making short-
term, fixed interest rate microloans to
startup, newly established, and growing urban
microbusiness concerns; and
``(ii) in conjunction with those loans,
provide grants in accordance with subparagraph
(E) to those qualified organizations for the
purpose of providing intensive marketing,
management, and technical assistance to small
business concerns that are borrowers under this
paragraph.
``(D) Loan duration; interest rates; conditions.--
``(i) Loan duration.--A loan made by the
Secretary under this paragraph shall be for a
term of 20 years.
``(ii) Applicable interest rates.--A loan
made by the Secretary under this paragraph to a
qualified organization shall bear an annual
interest rate of at least 1 percent.
``(iii) Deferral of interest and
principal.--The Secretary may permit the
deferral of payments, for principal and
interest, on a loan made under this paragraph
for a period of not more than 2 years,
beginning on the date on which the loan was
made.
``(E) Grant amounts.--
``(i) In general.--Except as otherwise
provided in this section, each qualified
organization that receives a loan under this
paragraph shall be eligible to receive a grant
to provide marketing, management, and technical
assistance to small business concerns that are
borrowers or potential borrowers under this
subsection.
``(ii) Maximum amount of grant for
microenterprise development organizations.--
Each microenterprise development organization
that receives a loan under this paragraph shall
receive an annual grant in an amount equal to
not more than 25 percent of the total
outstanding balance of loans made to the
microenterprise development organization under
this paragraph, as of the date of provision of
the grant.
``(iii) Matching requirement.--
``(I) In general.--As a condition
of any grant made to a qualified
organization under this subparagraph,
the Secretary shall require the
qualified organization to match not
less than 15 percent of the total
amount of the grant.
``(II) Sources.--In addition to
cash from non-Federal sources, a
matching share provided by the
qualified organization may include
indirect costs or in-kind contributions
funded under non-Federal programs.
``(c) Administrative Expenses.--Not more than 10 percent of
assistance received by a qualified organization for a fiscal year under
this section may be used to pay administrative expenses.
``(d) Funding.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the date of
enactment of this section, and on October 1, 2013, and each
October 1 thereafter through October 1, 2017, out of any funds
in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of
the Treasury shall transfer to the Secretary to carry out this
section $50,000,000, to remain available until expended.
``(2) Allocation of funds.--Of the amount made available by
paragraph (1) for each fiscal year--
``(A) not less than $30,000,000 shall be available
for use in carrying out subsection (b)(3); and
``(B) not less than $20,000,000 shall be available
for use in carrying out subsection (b)(4), of which not
more than $7,000,000 shall be used to support direct
loans.
``(C) Receipt and acceptance.--The Secretary shall
be entitled to receive, shall accept, and shall use to
carry out this section the funds transferred under
paragraph (1), without further appropriation.''.
SEC. 310. LOCAL FARM BUSINESS AND MARKET GARDEN COMPETITIVE LOAN
PROGRAM.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Agricultural commodity.--The term ``agricultural
commodity'' has the meaning given the term in section 102 of
the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5602).
(2) Eligible lending entity.--The term ``eligible lending
entity'' means a government agency, nonprofit organization, or
any other entity that the Secretary designates to finance and
facilitate the development of a local farm business project or
market garden project.
(3) Eligible producer.--The term ``eligible producer''
means an individual or group of individuals who carry out a
local farm business project or market garden project.
(4) Food desert.--The term ``food desert'' has the meaning
given the term in section 7527(a) of the Food, Conservation,
and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246; 122 Stat. 2039).
(5) Local farm business project.--The term ``local farm
business project'' means a project on a farm or ranch that--
(A) is for the production of an agricultural
commodity for local markets in the local service area;
and
(B) is located on 1 or more property lots, the
cumulative acreage of which shall be more than 1 acre.
(6) Local service area.--The term ``local service area''
means an area consisting of a certain mile radius (as
determined by the Secretary) from the physical location of
production by an eligible local farm business or market garden
project.
(7) Market garden project.--The term ``market garden
project'' means a project that--
(A) is for the production of an agricultural
commodity for local markets in the local service area;
and
(B) is located on 1 or more property lots
(regardless of the population density of the area in
which the property lots are located), the cumulative
acreage of which shall be more than \1/4\ acre.
(8) Revolving loan fund.--The term ``revolving loan fund''
means a revolving loan fund established by an eligible lending
entity as described in subsection (c).
(9) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture.
(10) Socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher.--The term
``socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher'' has the meaning
given the term in section 355(e) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2003(e)).
(11) Specialty crop.--The term ``specialty crop'' has the
meaning given the term in section 3 of the Specialty Crops
Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law
108-465).
(12) Sustainable agriculture.--The term ``sustainable
agriculture'' has the meaning given the term in section 1404 of
the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103).
(b) Competitive Loan Program for Eligible Lending Entities.--
(1) In general.--To support new entrepreneurship and job
creation, the Secretary shall establish a local farm business
and market garden competitive loan program under which the
Secretary shall make available to eligible lending entities
loans to develop revolving loan funds to assist--
(A) eligible producers in establishing local farm
business projects or market garden projects that will
locally produce fresh foods; and
(B) local farm business projects and market garden
projects to create local employment opportunities by--
(i) increasing farm and garden income by
connecting producers and consumers;
(ii) creating more reliable local food
systems;
(iii) diversifying food production;
(iv) increasing consumer access to fresh,
local healthful foods produced by local farms,
ranches, and market gardens in urban, suburban,
or rural areas;
(v) supporting nutrition education that
incorporates participation of school children
in farm- and garden-based agricultural
education activities; and
(vi) preserving farmland.
(2) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a loan under
the program established under paragraph (1), an eligible
lending entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at
such time, in such form, and containing such information as the
Secretary may require.
(3) Selection criteria.--
(A) Approval.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this section and in accordance with
this paragraph, the Secretary shall, on a competitive
basis, begin assessing and approving such applications
received under paragraph (2) as the Secretary considers
appropriate.
(B) Criteria.--In considering a loan application
received under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall--
(i) evaluate the extent to which the
application demonstrates the ability of the
eligible lending entity--
(I) to manage, market, and
administer a revolving loan fund;
(II) to assist local eligible
producers to successfully meet local
service area opportunities;
(III) to work with partners to
provide technical support to eligible
local farm business projects and market
garden projects;
(IV) to recruit, educate, and
assist local producers to advance local
farming and ranching opportunities that
meet local service area needs; and
(V) subject to paragraph (5), to
provide matching funds in the form of
cash or in-kind services to properly
implement and manage the revolving loan
fund;
(ii) assess--
(I) the number and type of local
farm business projects and market
garden projects to be affected by local
farm business project loan funding;
(II) the number of new jobs and
eligible local farm business projects
and market garden projects to be
created by the revolving loan fund;
(III) the ability of an eligible
local farm business project or market
garden project--
(aa) to preserve farmland
through economically and
environmentally sustainable
agriculture practices (as
determined by the Secretary);
and
(bb) to serve schools and
institutions with a high
proportion of students who are
eligible for free or reduced
price lunches under the Richard
B. Russell National School
Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et
seq.);
(IV) the degree to which an
eligible local farm business project or
market garden project--
(aa) incorporates
experiential nutrition
education;
(bb) demonstrates the
potential positive economic
impact for the local economy;
(cc) demonstrates
environmentally sustainable
agriculture practices; and
(dd) demonstrates a
collaboration between schools
or educational institutions,
nongovernmental organizations,
producer groups, and other
community and business
partners; and
(V) the market opportunity for
eligible local farm business projects
or market garden projects to sell
products in the local community; and
(iii) consider any other factors that the
Secretary determines to be appropriate.
(C) Regional balance.--To the maximum extent
practicable, in awarding loans under this section, the
Secretary shall ensure that loan recipients--
(i) are geographically diverse;
(ii) serve clients targeted by the loan
program, including socially disadvantaged
farmers or ranchers;
(iii) serve clients located in areas with a
variety of population densities, including
rural, suburban, urban, and tribal areas; and
(iv) identify and serve food deserts within
the local service area.
(D) Priority.--
(i) In general.--In considering loan
applications received under paragraph (2), the
Secretary shall give priority to applications
that demonstrate the ability and willingness of
the eligible lending entity--
(I) to serve clients targeted by
the program, including, as appropriate,
socially disadvantaged farmers or
ranchers;
(II) to assist with the financial
management aspects of specialty crop
farming and other types of local
agricultural projects; and
(III) to address the nutritional
needs of an underserved area, as
determined in accordance with clause
(ii).
(ii) Underserved areas.--In determining
whether an area is an underserved area, the
Secretary shall consider--
(I) population density;
(II) below-average supermarket
density or sales;
(III) the rate of ownership of
motor vehicles; and
(IV) geographical or physical
barriers, such as highways, mountains,
major parks, or bodies of water.
(4) Loan terms for eligible lending entities.--
(A) In general.--For each fiscal year for which the
Secretary makes a loan to an eligible lending entity
under this subsection, the loan shall--
(i) be in an amount that is not less than
$200,000 and not more than $1,000,000; and
(ii) be used by the eligible lending entity
to establish a revolving loan fund to provide
loans for local farm business projects or
market garden projects.
(B) Term.--The term of a loan under this subsection
shall not exceed 20 years from the date on which the
loan is finalized.
(C) Loan financing terms.--In making loans to
eligible lending entities under this subsection, the
Secretary shall--
(i) set the rate of interest at not more
than 2 percent per year; and
(ii) ensure that no payments are due on the
loan during the first 2 years of the loan.
(5) Matching funds.--The Secretary may not require an
eligible lending entity that receives a loan under this
subsection to provide, from non-Federal sources, in cash or in-
kind, the cost of carrying out activities under the loan.
(6) Administrative expenses.--
(A) In general.--Each eligible lending entity that
receives a loan under this subsection shall be eligible
additionally to receive a one-time grant for purposes
described in subparagraph (B) in an amount that is not
more than the lesser of--
(i) 10 percent of the total amount of the
loan received by the eligible lending entity;
or
(ii) $50,000.
(B) Use of grant funds.--Grant funds received under
subparagraph (A) may be used by the eligible lending
entity only to pay management and technical support
costs associated with the loan.
(C) Interest rate.--If an eligible lending entity
receives a grant under subparagraph (A), the eligible
lending entity may not set the interest rate of loans
made by the eligible lending entity to local farm
business projects or market garden projects at more
than 3 percent per year.
(7) Progress reports.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the
last day of each fiscal year, each eligible lending
entity that has a loan under this subsection shall
submit to the Secretary a report that includes--
(i) an evaluation of the progress of the
revolving loan fund carried out by the eligible
lending entity;
(ii) a description of the revolving loan
fund, including information on all loans made
to local farm business projects or market
garden projects;
(iii) a status update for the local farm
business projects and market garden projects
funded by the revolving loan fund that
describes--
(I) the amount of food produced;
(II) the amount of revenue
generated; and
(III) the number of new and
retained jobs; and
(iv) such other information as the
Secretary may require.
(B) Reports by the secretary.--Not later than 3
years after the date of enactment of this section, the
Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a
report that describes the results and findings of the
loan program carried out under this subsection.
(8) Annual review.--The Secretary shall conduct an annual
review of the financial records of each eligible lending entity
that receives funding under this subsection--
(A) to assess the financial soundness of the
eligible lending entity; and
(B) to determine the effective use of loan and
grant funds made available to the eligible lending
entity under this subsection.
(c) Revolving Loan Fund.--
(1) Establishment and purpose.--Each eligible lending
entity that receives a loan under subsection (b) shall use the
funds to establish a revolving loan fund to provide loans to
eligible producers in the local service area.
(2) Eligible activities.--Loans made by an eligible lending
entity under this subsection shall be used by the eligible
producer to carry out eligible activities in the local service
area, including--
(A) to carry out production projects for value-
added food products;
(B) to provide working capital for general
operational costs of the local farm business project or
market garden project;
(C) to purchase project-related equipment;
(D) to purchase seeds, plants, and fruit or nut
trees;
(E) to purchase livestock, poultry, and breeding
stock;
(F) to construct and maintain irrigation systems;
(G) to construct buildings (including barns, sheds,
greenhouses, and dry and cold storage sheds) necessary
to support production;
(H) to lease, lease to purchase, or directly
purchase farmland or make a down payment on an accepted
purchase offer for farmland; or
(I) to carry out any other activity that the
Secretary determines to be in accordance with this
section.
(3) Loan conditions.--
(A) In general.--To be eligible to receive a loan
under this section from an eligible lending entity, an
eligible producer shall--
(i) supply a minimum level of support of
the cost of the local farm business project,
market garden project, or institution costs, as
determined by the Secretary; and
(ii) submit to the eligible lending
entity--
(I) documentation of, as
appropriate--
(aa) a long-term land lease
contract granting the right to
perform local production
agriculture;
(bb) a building lease; or
(cc) a deed of property
ownership; and
(II) a conservation plan and a
sound business plan that is likely to
result in a profitable business with
sustainable employment for the eligible
producer and any employees.
(B) Secretarial approval; guarantee.--
(i) Approval.--Before an eligible lending
entity may make a loan or package of loans to
an eligible producer under this section, the
Secretary shall approve the loan or package of
loans in accordance with the requirements of
this section.
(ii) Loan guarantee.--The Secretary shall
guarantee not more than 85 percent of the
principal and interest on each loan approved
under clause (i).
(4) Priority.--In making loans under this subsection, the
eligible lending entity shall give priority to eligible
producers that are operated by, or that support--
(A) qualified beginning farmers or ranchers (as
defined in section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a))) and socially
disadvantaged farmers or ranchers;
(B) existing eligible producers, whether owners or
tenants, who use loan funds to convert to agricultural
production systems approved by the Secretary;
(C) eligible producers who use loan funds to build
conservation structures or carry out conservation
practices;
(D) eligible producers who will supply fresh and
locally produced food to underserved communities; and
(E) existing eligible producers of agriculture
commodities who want to diversify farm, ranch, or
market garden production and income.
(5) Loan terms for eligible producers.--
(A) In general.--A loan made by an eligible lending
entity to an eligible producer under this subsection
shall be in an amount that is--
(i) in the case of a local farm business
project, not less than $5,000 and not more than
$100,000; and
(ii) in the case of a market garden
project, not less than $3,000 and not more than
$50,000.
(B) Term.--The term of a loan under this subsection
shall not exceed--
(i) in the case of a loan in an amount that
is not more than $35,000, 12 years from the
date on which the loan is finalized; and
(ii) in the case of all other loans, 20
years from the date on which the loan is
finalized.
(C) Loan financing terms.--In making loans under
this subsection, an eligible lending entity shall--
(i) set the rate of interest at not more
than 3 percent per year;
(ii) ensure that no payments are due on the
loan during the first 9 months of the loan; and
(iii) ensure that only interest is due on
the loan during the period beginning on the
last day of the period described in clause (ii)
and ending 24 months after the issuance of the
loan.
(D) Loan forgiveness.--If an eligible producer has
received a loan under this section to carry out a local
farm business project or market garden project, and
after 3 years the Secretary determines that the project
is successful, the Secretary may offer to forgive--
(i) up to 10 percent of the outstanding
amount of the loan; and
(ii) in the case of an eligible producer
supporting sustainable agriculture practices,
up to 20 percent of the outstanding amount of
the loan.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2022--
(1) $20,000,000 to provide loans and grants under
subsection (b); and
(2) $100,000 for the administrative costs of carrying out
this section.
TITLE IV--ERADICATING HUNGER
SEC. 401. WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS WITHOUT HUNGER.
Section 18 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42
U.S.C. 1769) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(l) Weekends and Holidays Without Hunger.--
``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) At-risk school child.--The term `at-risk
school child' has the meaning given the term in section
17(r)(1).
``(B) Eligible institution.--
``(i) In general.--The term `eligible
institution' means a public or private
nonprofit institution that is determined by the
Secretary to be able to meet safe food storage,
handling, and delivery standards established by
the Secretary.
``(ii) Inclusions.--The term `eligible
institution' includes--
``(I) an elementary or secondary
school or school food service
authority;
``(II) a food bank or food pantry;
``(III) a homeless shelter; and
``(IV) such other type of emergency
feeding agency as is approved by the
Secretary.
``(2) Establishment.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations provided in advance in an appropriations Act
specifically for the purpose of carrying out this subsection,
the Secretary shall establish a program under which the
Secretary shall provide commodities, on a competitive basis, to
eligible institutions to provide nutritious food to at-risk
children on weekends and during extended school holidays during
the school year.
``(3) Eligibility.--
``(A) In general.--To be eligible to receive
commodities under this subsection, an eligible
institution shall submit an application to the
Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing
such information as the Secretary may determine.
``(B) Plan.--An application under subparagraph (A)
shall include the plan of the eligible institution for
the distribution of nutritious foods to at-risk school
children, including--
``(i) methods of food service delivery to
at-risk school children;
``(ii) assurances that children receiving
foods under the project will not be publicly
separated or overtly identified;
``(iii) lists of the types of food to be
provided under the project and provisions to
ensure food quality and safety;
``(iv) information on the number of at-risk
school children to be served and the per-child
cost of providing the children with food; and
``(v) such other information as the
Secretary determines to be necessary to assist
the Secretary in evaluating projects that
receive commodities under this subsection.
``(4) Priority.--In selecting applications under this
subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible
institutions that--
``(A) have on-going programs and experience serving
populations with significant proportions of at-risk
school children;
``(B) have a good record of experience in food
delivery and food safety systems;
``(C) maintain high quality control,
accountability, and recordkeeping standards;
``(D) provide children with readily consumable food
of high nutrient content and quality;
``(E) demonstrate cost efficiencies and the
potential for obtaining supplemental funding from non-
Federal sources to carry out projects; and
``(F) demonstrate the ability to continue projects
for the full approved term of the pilot project period.
``(5) Guidelines.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall issue
guidelines containing the criteria for projects to
receive commodities under this section.
``(B) Inclusions.--The guidelines shall, to the
maximum extent practicable within the funds available
and applications submitted, take into account--
``(i) geographical variations in project
locations to include qualifying projects in
rural, urban, and suburban areas with high
proportions of families with at-risk school
children;
``(ii) different types of projects that
offer nutritious foods on weekends and during
school holidays to at-risk school children; and
``(iii) institutional capacity to collect,
maintain, and provide statistically valid
information necessary for the Secretary--
``(I) to analyze and evaluate the
results of the pilot project; and
``(II) to make recommendations to
Congress.
``(6) Evaluation.--
``(A) Interim evaluation.--Not later than November
30, 2016, the Secretary shall complete an interim
evaluation of the pilot program carried out under this
subsection.
``(B) Final report.--Not later than December 31,
2017, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a final
report that contains--
``(i) an evaluation of the pilot program
carried out under this subsection; and
``(ii) any recommendations of the Secretary
for legislative action.
``(7) Funding.--
``(A) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
such sums as are necessary, to remain available until
expended.
``(B) Availability of funds.--Not more than 3
percent of the funds made available under subparagraph
(A) may be used by the Secretary for expenses
associated with review of the operations and evaluation
of the projects carried out under this subsection.''.
SEC. 402. EXPANSION AND MODERNIZATION OF THE COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL
FOOD PROGRAM.
Section 5 of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 (7
U.S.C. 612c note) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``2008 through
2012'' and inserting ``2014 through 2018'', and
(B) in paragraph (2)(B) by striking ``2004 through
2012'' and inserting ``2014 through 2018'', and
(2) in subsection (g) by striking paragraph (2) and
inserting the following:
``(2) women, infants and children participating in the
program as of the effective date of this paragraph.
The Secretary may not require the enrollment in the program of women,
infants, and children who are not participating in the program before
the effective date of this sentence.''.
SEC. 403. EXPANSION AND MODERNIZATION OF THE EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM.
(a) Amendments to the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008.--Section
27(a)(2) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2036(a)(2)) is
amended--
(1) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting the
following:
``(A) for fiscal years 2014 through 2018,
$350,000,000; plus $100,000,000 for each percentage
point that unemployment exceeds the rate as of June
2008 (prorated such that each change of 0.1 percent
shall result in a change in funding of $10,000,000).
The unemployment rate from June of the immediately
preceding fiscal year shall be used to compute change
from June 2008. In any fiscal year, the amount
calculated in this subparagraph shall not be less than
$350,000,000.'',
(2) in subparagraph (C)--
(A) by striking ``(C)'' and inserting ``(B)'',
(B) by striking ``2010 through 2012'' and inserting
``2014 through 2018'',
(C) by striking ``subparagraph (B)'' and inserting
`` subparagraph (A)'', and
(D) by striking the period at the end and inserting
``; and'', and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) of the total funds made available under
subparagraphs (A) and (B), not less than $100,000,000
shall be to support State and local storage and
distribution costs. In addition, each year States may
transfer up to 5 percent of total funds provided for
commodity purchases into accounts used to fund storage
and distribution costs at their discretion''.
(b) Amendments to the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983.--The
Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7501 et seq.) is
amended--
(1) in section 202 by adding at the end the following:
``(h) In addition to other considerations, including but not
limited to the need to intervene in depressed domestic agricultural
markets, the Secretary shall consider the needs of States and demands
on emergency food providers in making commodity purchase decisions.'',
and
(2) in section 204 by striking ``2008'' and inserting
``2014''.
(c) Authority To Use Section 32 Funds To Respond to Situations of
High Rates of Food Insecurity or Unemployment.--The second sentence of
section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935 (7 U.S.C. 612c) is amended in
paragraph (2) by inserting after ``low-income groups'' the following:
``or in situations of high rates of food insecurity or unemployment,''.
SEC. 404. FOOD BANK EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.
(a) Authority for Program.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall
develop and carry out a food bank equipment and technology program to
make grants to eligible entities to be used within a 1-year period for
the purchase of operating equipment and technology that increases the
efficiency of a food bank. Eligible entities include nonprofit entities
that operate food banks in urban areas.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years in the 3-year period beginning on the October 1 of the 1st
fiscal year that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act.
TITLE V--GO GREEN
SEC. 501. GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE SCHOOLS, MUSEUMS, AND LIBRARIES GRANT
PROGRAM.
(a) Grant Program.--The Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation
with the Secretary of Energy, shall establish a program to provide
competitive grants to schools, museums, and libraries to increase
energy efficiency.
(b) Criteria.--In awarding grants under subsection (a), the
Secretary of Agriculture shall target schools, museums, and libraries
that are the most inefficient in the usage of energy and whose
insulation, lighting, and equipment would benefit most by being
upgraded to insulation, lighting, and equipment that is more energy
efficient.
(c) Use of Funds.--A school, museum, or library receiving a grant
under subsection (a) shall use the funds received under such grant--
(1) to increase energy efficiency through new construction,
rehabilitation, expansion, and upgrades; and
(2) for organized programs, events, and initiatives to
educate employees of schools, museums, or libraries on how to
become more energy efficient.
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Museum.--The term ``museum'' means a museum accredited
by the American Association of Museums.
(2) School.--The term ``school'' means an elementary school
or a secondary school, as those terms are defined in section
9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 7801).
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.
Llama 3.2 · runs locally in your browser
Ask anything about this bill. The AI reads the full text to answer.
Enter to send · Shift+Enter for new line