Sec. 102. Virtual farmers’ markets
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From the amounts appropriated to carry out this section, the Secretary of Agriculture shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities to enable such entities to carry out a program that provides access to farmers’ markets to communities that are food deserts. An eligible entity receiving a grant under this section shall use such funds for the following: Purchasing virtual farmers market software (including computer kiosks and swipe card stations), or entering into a contract with an eligible organization to develop and maintain the technology necessary, to carry out a virtual farmers market program to enable individuals and organizations in communities that are food deserts to order and purchase fruits and vegetables and other healthy food items using such technology.
Training staff to— assist individuals and organizations in communities that are food deserts to order and purchase food products under the program described in paragraph (1); and purchase and order food products under the program for the eligible entity. Packaging food products purchased under the program in manner that makes transportation of the products possible by foot. Paying staff to manage the program, and package and assist in the distribution and delivery of food products purchased under the program.
Raising public awareness about the program. Developing simple food preparation strategies and menus for customers of the program. Coordinating with the Secretary of Agriculture to develop mechanisms to enable reimbursement under the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. ) for purchases made under the program. Purchasing or rehabilitating buses, including buses that were formerly used as school buses, that may be used to transport to the eligible entity— the foods ordered and purchased under the program using the technology described in paragraph (1); or other fruits and vegetables that meet the requirements of subsection
(e)in order to provide additional opportunities for individuals and organizations in communities that are food deserts to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables. In order to receive a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. A grant awarded under this section may not be greater than $10,000. To the extent practicable, the majority of food purchased under a virtual farmers market program carried out by an eligible entity under this section shall be from farmers located within a 50-mile radius of the site where the food is ordered and delivered under the program, except in the case where the eligible entity demonstrates to the Secretary that no such farmers exist or that the farmers are not able to provide a sufficient variety or amount of food for the purposes of the program. Not later than 1 year after the first fiscal year for which funds are appropriated to carry out this section, the Secretary shall report to Congress on the progress made in carrying out programs funded by grants under this section, including— the number of individuals served by such programs and the barriers and opportunities for additional such programs; and how such programs have increased access or encouraged permanent farmers markets to be established near communities that are food deserts. In this section— The term bureau-funded school has the meaning given such term in section 1146 of the Education Amendments of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 2026). The term eligible entity means an entity that predominantly serves communities that are food deserts, including— a local educational agency or bureau-funded school; a nonprofit, community-based organization or entity (including a park and recreation department, recreation center, child care facility, or senior center); a convenience store; or other entity that the Secretaries deem to be an eligible entity. The term eligible organization means an organization with expertise in developing and maintaining a virtual farmers market. The term local educational agency has the meaning given such term in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 7801 ). The term food desert has the meaning given such term in section 7527(a) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–234 ). The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. The term swipe card stations shall include support for the use of electronic benefit transfer cards. The term virtual farmers market means an online grocery store that enables individuals to purchase foods from local farms and distributors.
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- 25 USC 2026
- Pub. L. 110-234
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