Making Agricultural Products Locally Essential (MAPLE) Act

This bill would let low-income seniors use their farmers’ market coupons to buy maple syrup. It adds “maple syrup” to the list of eligible foods in the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, which already includes fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey. The program gives grants to states so seniors can use coupons or vouchers at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs to buy these foods.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Low-income seniors who use the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program; local maple producers and markets.
• What changes: Maple syrup becomes an eligible item that can be bought with the program’s coupons/vouchers.
• Where it applies: Farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and CSAs that accept the program’s benefits.
• When: If enacted, the change would take effect by updating the eligible foods list in the program’s law.