Sponsors (22)
Provides dedicated funding and operational changes to strengthen the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). It authorizes $500 million per year for commodities for fiscal years 2026–2030, clarifies and updates program text, and creates new delivery and purchase flexibilities for geographically isolated States and territories, including allowing orders via the Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program and permitting a cash-transfer option up to 20% of commodity allocations.
Amend Section 27(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 by striking each place it appears (except in paragraph (2)(D)(ix)) and inserting ; and
In paragraph (2), subparagraph (D), clause (viii): strike the word "and" at the end of the clause.
Add new clause (x) to subparagraph (D): for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030, $500,000,000.
In paragraph (2), subparagraph (E): replace the existing text (struck text not shown) as directed, and specifically change the cross-reference phrase "specified in subparagraph (D)(ix)" to "described in subparagraph (D)(x)".
Amend the first sentence of Section 204(a)(1) of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 by striking the text "striking00,000,000" and inserting the text " 00,000,000" in its place.
Last progress June 5, 2025 (8 months ago)
Introduced on June 5, 2025 by Andrea Salinas
Who is affected and how:
People experiencing food insecurity / TEFAP recipients: Increased commodity funding should expand the quantity and consistency of food available through emergency feeding networks, and greater local flexibility may improve timeliness and cultural/ nutritional appropriateness.
Food banks, pantries, and emergency food providers (TEFAP grantees): Expect more predictable commodity allocations and new program options (cash-transfer up to 20%) that allow buying locally or tailoring food packages; deliveries to remote areas may become easier through alternative channels.
States and territories (especially geographically isolated States): Gain explicit authorities and coordination support to use alternative delivery options, potentially reducing shipping delays and increasing responsiveness in islands and remote jurisdictions.
USDA/Food and Nutrition Service: Must administer the new funding stream, set or update definitions (e.g., "geographically isolated States"), coordinate with the Department of Defense for produce orders, establish procedures for cash transfers, and update procurement rules to incorporate the new flexibility.
Commodity suppliers, produce packers, and local producers: May see changes in demand patterns—greater local purchasing through cash transfers could benefit local farmers; DoD program linkages could alter distribution channels for certain produce items.
Risks and implementation considerations:
The materials include a replacement subsection where the new text is not provided; that missing content could change eligibility, reporting, or program mechanics if it contains substantive rules.
States will need clear USDA guidance on how to exercise the cash-transfer option and on how allocations are valued, how to document nutritious choices, and how procurement exceptions are applied.
Coordination with DoD for fresh-produce orders will require interagency agreements and operational planning to ensure food safety, scheduling, and payment processes function smoothly.
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.