H.R. 2379: Farmers’ Market Expansion Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Farmers’ Market Expansion Act of 2025, aims to make some changes to existing nutrition programs for seniors. Specifically, it proposes to amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. Here are the key points of what the bill would do:

Amend the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

The bill would expand the types of food eligible for purchase under the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program. Currently, this program allows seniors to use vouchers to buy fresh produce, which helps them access healthy food options. The amendment would include tree nuts, including both shelled and unshelled varieties, as eligible items that seniors can purchase with these vouchers.

Implications of the Amendment

By adding tree nuts to the list of allowable foods, the bill seeks to enhance the variety of nutritious options available to seniors, potentially benefiting their health and well-being. The inclusion of tree nuts could encourage seniors to buy more varied and protein-rich foods, which have been shown to have various health benefits.

Targeted Demographic

The primary beneficiaries of this amendment would be low-income seniors who participate in the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. These individuals would gain increased access to a wider range of nutritious food options, supporting better dietary choices.

Overall Goals

The overarching goals of the Farmers’ Market Expansion Act of 2025 include:

• Improving nutrition among seniors by increasing the variety of foods they can access.
• Supporting local farmers and markets by encouraging the sale of tree nuts.
• Promoting overall public health through improved diet and nutrition for the aging population.

Implementation

If passed, the bill would require changes to how the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program operates, likely involving adjustments in funding, program guidelines, and education about the new eligible items for both seniors and market operators.

Relevant Companies

• HRL - Hormel Foods Corporation: This company is involved in the production and marketing of various food products, including nuts which might see an increase in demand due to this bill.
• MDLZ - Mondelez International Inc: They offer a range of snack products that include nuts. Increased senior access to tree nuts could impact their sales positively.