Summary

Modifies the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program by expanding the list of eligible foods that participants may purchase. The amendment adds tree nuts (including shelled tree nuts) to the current list that already includes herbs, allowing seniors to use program benefits to buy tree nuts at authorized farmers' markets and vendors.

Key Points

• Expands eligible purchases under the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program to include tree nuts, including shelled tree nuts.
• Amendment is a single-wording change to the eligible foods list; it does not add funding or create a new program.
• USDA and state/local program operators will need to update program guidance, vendor training, and outreach materials.
• Farmers, nut growers, and market vendors may gain a new market for tree nut sales to program participants.
• Implementation details (e.g., packaged vs. bulk nuts, food-safety rules) will likely be clarified by administering agencies.
• Change is narrow and administrative in nature and is unlikely to require major regulatory overhaul.
• No changes to benefit amounts, eligibility, or distribution mechanisms are specified.

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