Sponsors (2)
The bill lets states reallocate up to 20% of TEFAP commodity value to buy DoD Fresh produce—potentially improving access to fresh fruits and supporting farmers, but risking reduced total commodity quantities for recipients, added costs/logistics, and administrative delays.
Food-insecure and low-income households gain increased access to fresh fruits and vegetables because state agencies may use up to 20% of TEFAP commodity value to procure DoD Fresh produce.
State agencies gain an optional procurement tool to buy DoD Fresh produce, potentially improving purchasing flexibility, variety, or efficiency in TEFAP distributions.
Farmers and agricultural producers could see increased demand and sales through strengthened farm-to-food-bank links as TEFAP funds can be used to procure more fresh produce.
Low-income households may receive fewer total TEFAP commodities if up to 20% of commodity value is shifted to DoD Fresh purchases, reducing overall food quantities available.
State programs and recipients could face higher costs or distribution complications if DoD Fresh prices or logistics differ, which may reduce program efficiency or availability.
State agencies must submit requests and obtain permission to use the option, adding administrative steps that could delay access to food for distribution.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Allows State TEFAP agencies, if they request approval, to use up to 20% of their commodity cost value to order produce through the DoD Fresh program.
Official title: Amend the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to allow for commodities under the emergency food assistance program to be ordered through the Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.
Introduced June 18, 2026 by Adam Schiff · Last progress June 18, 2026
Allows State agencies that receive TEFAP commodity allocations to request permission from the USDA to use up to 20% of the cost value of their allocated commodities to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables through the Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (DoD Fresh). The change is optional, requires a State request, and does not create new mandatory funding. The amendment modifies existing TEFAP authority to create an optional procurement route intended to increase access to fresh produce for food assistance programs while capping the portion of a State's allocation that may be spent this way at 20 percent.