,i #aacth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #aicc ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,may #i1 #bjac ,ms4 ,fudge 7for herself1 ,ms4 ,eddie ,bernice ,johnson of ,texas1 ,mr4 ,thompson of ,mississippi1 ,mr4 ,rangel1 ,ms4 ,kaptur1 ,ms4 ,pingree of ,maine1 ,mr4 ,conyers1 and ,ms4 ,chu7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,agriculture1 and in addition to the ,committee on ,education and the ,workforce1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,a ,,bill ,to provide assistance and opportunity for the creation and support of sustainable agriculture activities in ,america's cities and to improve access to nutrition in ,america's cities4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,let's ,grow ,act of #bjac4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of this ,act is the following3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,title ,i--,improving ,access to ,fresh and ,nutritious ,food ,sec4 #aja4 ,healthy corner store initiative4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,virtual farmers' markets4 ,sec4 #ajc4 ,local food insecurity assessments3 assessing the unique nutritional needs of local communities4 ,sec4 #ajd4 ,hunger-free communities4 ,sec4 #aje4 ,,ebt farmers market accessibility program4 ,sec4 #ajf4 ,farm-to-,preschool program4 ,sec4 #ajg4 ,extension of pilot projects to evaluate health and nutrition promotion in the supplemental nutrition assistance program4 ,sec4 #ajh4 ,expanding and improving the affordability and nutritional integrity of the ,,usda ,fresh ,fruit and ,vegetable ,program4 ,title ,,ii--,creation of the ,healthy ,food ,financing ,initiative ,sec4 #bja4 ,purpose and definitions4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,establishment of ,healthy ,food ,financing ,initiative and eligible projects4 ,sec4 #bjc4 ,duties of ,secretary4 ,sec4 #bjd4 ,national fund manager4 ,sec4 #bje4 ,allocation and use of funds4 ,sec4 #bjf4 ,partnerships4 ,sec4 #bjg4 ,evaluation and monitoring4 ,sec4 #bjh4 ,administrative provisions4 ,sec4 #bji4 ,authorization of appropriations4 ,title ,,iii--,development of ,sustainable ,urban ,agriculture ,sec4 #cja4 ,community gardening grant program4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,grants for conversion of abandoned and foreclosed property to urban agricultural uses4 ,sec4 #cjc4 ,expansion of ,harvest,corps program4 ,sec4 #cjd4 ,acquisition of publically owned land and conversion to urban farms and community gardens4 ,sec4 #cje4 ,urban agricultural workforce training pilot program4 ,sec4 #cjf4 ,urban agriculture development grants program4 ,sec4 #cjg4 ,clean and safe drinking water for urban areas and waterways4 ,sec4 #cjh4 ,extension of assistance to socially disadvantaged urban farmers and ranchers4 ,sec4 #cji4 ,urban entrepreneur and microenterprise assistance program4 ,sec4 #caj4 ,local farm business and market garden competitive loan program4 ,title ,,iv--,eradicating ,hunger ,sec4 #dja4 ,weekends and holidays without hunger4 ,sec4 #djb4 ,expansion and modernization of the commodity supplemental food program4 ,sec4 #djc4 ,expansion and modernization of the emergency food assistance program4 ,sec4 #djd4 ,food bank equipment and technology program4 ,title ,v--,go ,green ,sec4 #eja4 ,green and ,sustainable ,schools1 ,museums1 and ,libraries ,grant ,program4 ,i ,improving ,access to ,fresh and ,nutritious ,food #aja4 ,healthy corner store initiative 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall carry out a program1 to be known as the ,green and ,healthy ,corner ,store ,initiative1 of awarding grants to units of general local government1 nonprofit organizations1 and tribal governments to assist qualified convenience stores to expand and sustain their offering of fruits and vegetables4 7b7 ,priority ,in awarding grants under this section1 the ,secretary shall give priority to applicants proposing to provide assistance to qualified convenience stores in low-income communities4 7c7 ,assistance ,assistance provided to a qualified convenience store pursuant to this section may include the following3 7#a7 ,seed money for the purchase of fruits and vegetables and for equipment needed to sell fruits and vegetables1 such as but not limited to refrigerators4 7#b7 ,seed money for converting to energy-saving equipment1 such as but not limited to energy-efficient lighting and refrigerators and a ductless ,,hvac system1 to minimize the additional energy costs associated with the refrigeration needed to stock fruits and vegetables4 7#c7 ,educational tools and information on the importance of fresh fruits and vegetables4 7#d7 ,simple recipes to assist customers in healthy food preparation4 7d7 ,requirements for convenience stores ,as a condition on receipt of funds under this section1 a grantee shall agree to ensure that any qualified convenience store receiving assistance through the grant will-- 7#a7 maintain its expanded offering of fruits and vegetables for a minimum time to be determined by the ,secretary2 7#b7 limit the number of its advertisements for alcoholic beverages and cigarettes and offer at least an equal amount of advertising for fruits and vegetables2 7#c7 place advertisements for fruits and vegetables prominently in the front of the store2 7#d7 advertise that the store is participating in the ,green and ,healthy ,corner ,store ,initiative2 and 7#e7 work to partner with rural and urban farmers markets to obtain fruits and vegetables for sale4 7e7 ,cooperation among stores ,to decrease prices ,the ,secretary shall encourage grant recipients under this section to encourage qualified convenience stores receiving assistance through the grant to combine efforts with other convenience stores when ordering fruits and vegetables from distributors in an effort to decrease the price of such goods4 7f7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,the term ,bureau-funded school has the meaning given to such term in section #aada of the ,education ,amendments of #aigh 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #bjba74 7#b7 ,the terms elementary school1 local educational agency1 and secondary school have the meanings given to such terms in section #iaja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ghja74 7#c7 ,the term low-income communities includes-- 7,a7 communities with a high percentage of children eligible for free and reduced priced lunches under the ,richard ,b4 ,russell ,national ,school ,lunch ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #agea et seq472 and 7,b7 any other communities determined by the ,secretary to be low-income for purposes of this section4 7#d7 ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,agriculture4 7#e7 ,the term qualified convenience store means a convenience store located within a quarter mile of an elementary school or a secondary school that is a public school or a ,bureau-funded school4 #ajb4 ,virtual farmers' markets 7a7 ,establishment of grant program ,from the amounts appropriated to carry out this section1 the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall award grants1 on a competitive basis1 to eligible entities to enable such entities to carry out a program that provides access to farmers' markets to communities that are food deserts4 7b7 ,use of funds ,an eligible entity receiving a grant under this section shall use such funds for the following3 7#a7 ,purchasing virtual farmers market software 7including computer kiosks and swipe card stations71 or entering into a contract with an eligible organization to develop and maintain the technology necessary1 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 technology4 7#b7 ,training staff to-- 7,a7 assist individuals and organizations in communities that are food deserts to order and purchase food products under the program described in paragraph 7#a72 and 7,b7 purchase and order food products under the program for the eligible entity4 7#c7 ,packaging food products purchased under the program in manner that makes transportation of the products possible by foot4 7#d7 ,paying staff to manage the program1 and package and assist in the distribution and delivery of food products purchased under the program4 7#e7 ,raising public awareness about the program4 7#f7 ,developing simple food preparation strategies and menus for customers of the program4 7#g7 ,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 #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaa et seq47 for purchases made under the program4 7#h7 ,purchasing or rehabilitating buses1 including buses that were formerly used as school buses1 that may be used to transport to the eligible entity-- 7,a7 the foods ordered and purchased under the program using the technology described in paragraph 7#a72 or 7,b7 other fruits and vegetables that meet the requirements of subsection 7e7 in order to provide additional opportunities for individuals and organizations in communities that are food deserts to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables4 7c7 ,application ,in order to receive a grant under this section1 an eligible entity shall submit an application to the ,secretary at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may require4 7d7 ,grant amount ,a grant awarded under this section may not be greater than #aj1jjj4 7e7 ,limitations on food purchased ,to the extent practicable1 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 #ej-mile radius of the site where the food is ordered and delivered under the program1 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 program4 7f7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the first fiscal year for which funds are appropriated to carry out this section1 the ,secretary shall report to ,congress on the progress made in carrying out programs funded by grants under this section1 including-- 7#a7 the number of individuals served by such programs and the barriers and opportunities for additional such programs2 and 7#b7 how such programs have increased access or encouraged permanent farmers markets to be established near communities that are food deserts4 7g7 ,definitions ,in this section-- 7#a7 ,bureau-funded school ,the term bureau-funded school has the meaning given such term in section #aadf of the ,education ,amendments of #aigh 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #bjbf74 7#b7 ,eligible entity ,the term eligible entity means an entity that predominantly serves communities that are food deserts1 including-- 7,a7 a local educational agency or bureau-funded school2 7,b7 a nonprofit1 community-based organization or entity 7including a park and recreation department1 recreation center1 child care facility1 or senior center72 7,c7 a convenience store2 or 7,d7 other entity that the ,secretaries deem to be an eligible entity4 7#c7 ,eligible organization ,the term eligible organization means an organization with expertise in developing and maintaining a virtual farmers market4 7#d7 ,local educational agency ,the term local educational agency has the meaning given such term in section #iaja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ghja74 7#e7 ,food desert ,the term food desert has the meaning given such term in section #gebg7;a7 of the ,food1 ,conservation1 and ,energy ,act of #bjjh 7,public ,law #aaj-bcd74 7#f7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,agriculture4 7#g7 ,swipe card stations ,the term swipe card stations shall include support for the use of electronic benefit transfer cards4 7#h7 ,virtual farmers market ,the term virtual farmers market means an online grocery store that enables individuals to purchase foods from local farms and distributors4 #ajc4 ,local food insecurity assessments3 assessing the unique nutritional needs of local communities 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services shall establish a #c-year pilot program to award grants to local and tribal governments1 on a competitive basis1 to allow such local and tribal governments1 in partnership with the local community organizations under subsection 7e71 to-- 7#a7 conduct a food security assessment2 and 7#b7 make an inventory of the system in order to identify the strengths and gaps in such system4 7b7 ,data points for ,assessment ,for purposes of conducting an ,assessment and making an inventory under a grant under subsection 7a71 with respect to the community served by a local or tribal government1 such government shall examine the following food security and food system issues in the community3 7#a7 ,the prevalence of childhood obesity4 7#b7 ,the availability of safe routes to school for children4 7#c7 ,the quality of food served in school and child care settings4 7#d7 ,the availability of supermarkets4 7#e7 ,the cost and availability of fresh fruits and vegetables4 7#f7 ,the concentration of convenience stores1 and other food vendors that sell a disproportionate amount of foods that are not fresh fruits and vegetables4 7#g7 ,the availability of products4 7#h7 ,the concentration of fast food restaurants4 7#i7 ,the availability of green space or recreation areas1 and the extent to which such space or areas encourage physical activity by adults and children4 7#aj7 ,any other issues determined to be relevant by the local or tribal government4 7#aa7 ,any other issues determined to be relevant by the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services4 7c7 ,number of sites ,the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services1 in awarding grants under subsection 7a71 shall award grants to no more than-- 7#a7 #bj local governments2 and 7#b7 #e tribal governments4 7d7 ,priority ,in awarding grants under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services shall give priority to those local and tribal governments that serve communities with the highest concentrations of poverty4 7e7 ,requirement of partnerships ,in order to qualify for a grant under subsection 7a71 a local or tribal government shall demonstrate1 to the satisfaction of the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services1 that the local or tribal government has entered into a partnership 7for the purpose of conducting an assessment and making an inventory under subsection 7a77 with at least one of the following local community organizations3 7#a7 ,a nonprofit community-based organization or entity4 7#b7 ,a developer or urban planning institution4 7#c7 ,an accredited college or university4 #ajd4 ,hunger-free communities ,section #ddje of the ,food1 ,conservation1 and ,energy ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #geag7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 by striking paragraph 7#a7 and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,eligible entity 7,a7 ,collaborative grants ,in subsection 7b71 the term eligible entity means a public food program service provider or nonprofit organization1 including an emergency feeding organization1 that has collaborated or will collaborate with #a or more local partner organizations to achieve at least #a hunger-free communities goal4 7,b7 ,incentive grants ,in subsection 7c71 the term eligible entity means a nonprofit organization 7including an emergency feeding organization71 an agricultural cooperative1 producer network or association1 community health organization1 public benefit corporation1 economic development corporation1 farmers' market1 community-supported agriculture program1 buying club1 supplemental nutrition assistance program retail food store1 a ,state1 local1 or tribal agency1 and any other entity the ,secretary designates4 2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#d7 ,supplemental nutrition assistance program ,the term supplemental nutrition assistance program means the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaa et seq474 7#e7 ,underserved community ,the term underserved community has the meaning given the term in section #be of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcd74 2 7#b7 in subsection 7b77#a77;,a71 by striking not more than #ej percent of any funds made available under subsection 7e7 and inserting funds made available under subsection 7d77#a72 and 7#c7 by striking subsections 7c71 7d71 and 7e7 and inserting the following3 7c7 ,hunger-,free communities incentive grants 7#a7 ,authorization 7,a7 ,in general ,in each of the years specified in subsection 7d71 the ,secretary shall make grants to eligible entities in accordance with paragraph 7#b74 7,b7 ,federal share ,the ,federal share of the cost of carrying out an activity under this subsection shall not exceed #ej percent of the total cost of the activity4 7,c7 ,non-,federal share 7i7 ,in general ,the non-,federal share of the cost of an activity under this subsection may be provided-- 7,i7 in cash or in-kind contributions as determined by the ,secretary1 including facilities1 equipment1 or services2 and 7,,ii7 by a ,state or local government or a private source4 7ii7 ,limitation ,in the case of a for-profit entity1 the non-,federal share described in clause 7i7 shall not include services of an employee1 including salaries paid or expenses covered by the employer4 7#b7 ,criteria 7,a7 ,in general ,for purposes of this subsection1 an eligible entity is a governmental agency or nonprofit organization that-- 7i7 meets the application criteria set forth by the ,secretary2 and 7ii7 proposes a project that1 at a minimum-- 7,i7 has the support of the ,state agency2 7,,ii7 would increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by low-income consumers participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program by providing incentives at the point of purchase2 7,,iii7 agrees to participate in the evaluation described in paragraph 7#d72 7,,iv7 ensures that the same terms and conditions apply to purchases made by individuals with benefits issued under this ,act and incentives provided for in this subsection as apply to purchases made by individuals who are not members of households receiving benefits1 such as provided for in section #bgh4b7;b7 of title #g1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7or a successor regulation72 and 7,v7 includes effective and efficient technologies for benefit redemption systems that may be replicated in other for ,states and communities4 7,b7 ,priority ,in awarding grants under this section1 the ,secretary shall give priority to projects that-- 7i7 maximize the share of funds used for direct incentives to participants2 7ii7 use direct-to-consumer sales marketing2 7iii7 demonstrate a track record of designing and implementing successful nutrition incentive programs that connect low-income consumers and agricultural producers2 7iv7 provide locally or regionally produced fruits and vegetables2 7v7 are located in underserved communities2 or 7vi7 address other criteria as established by the ,secretary4 7#c7 ,applicability 7,a7 ,in general ,the value of any benefit provided to a participant in any activity funded under this subsection shall not be considered income or resources for any purpose under any ,federal1 ,state1 or local law4 7,b7 ,prohibition on collection of sales taxes ,each ,state shall ensure that no ,state or local tax is collected on a purchase of food under this subsection4 7,c7 ,no limitation on benefits ,a grant made available under this subsection shall not be used to carry out any project that limits the use of benefits under the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaa et seq47 or any other ,federal nutrition law4 7,d7 ,household allotment ,assistance provided under this subsection to households receiving benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program shall not-- 7i7 be considered part of the supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits of the household2 or 7ii7 be used in the collection or disposition of claims under section #ac of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjbb74 7#d7 ,evaluation 7,a7 ,independent evaluation ,the ,secretary shall provide for an independent evaluation of projects selected under this subsection that measures the impact of each project on-- 7i7 improving the nutrition and health status of participating households receiving incentives under this subsection2 and 7ii7 increasing fruit and vegetable purchases in participating households4 7,b7 ,requirement ,the independent evaluation under subparagraph 7,a7 shall use rigorous methodologies capable of producing scientifically valid information regarding the effectiveness of a project4 7,c7 ,costs ,the ,secretary may use funds not to exceed #aj percent of the funding provided to carry out this section to pay costs associated with administering1 monitoring1 and evaluating each project4 7d7 ,funding 7#a7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection 7b7 #e1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjad through #bjah4 7#b7 ,mandatory ,funding ,of the funds of the ,commodity ,credit ,corporation1 the ,secretary shall use to carry out subsection 7c7-- 7,a7 #ae1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjad2 7,b7 #bj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjae through #bjag2 and 7,c7 #be1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjah4 4 #aje4 ,,ebt farmers market accessibility program 7a7 ,authority for program ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall develop and carry out a program to make grants to entities that operate farmers markets in urban areas for the purchase of equipment and to finance the installation of equipment necessary to operate ,,ebt systems at farmers markets4 7b7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section #aj1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years in the #h-year period beginning on the ,october #a of the first fiscal year that begins after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #ajf4 ,farm-to-,preschool program 7a7 ,authority for program ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall develop and carry out a grant program to make grants to community-based and nonprofit organizations to develop a ,farm-to-,preschool program that fosters the connection between preschools1 ,head ,start programs1 childcare or daycare centers1 kindergarten readiness programs in ,k-#ab school districts1 and in-home care facilities1 with small- or medium-sized agricultural producers1 for the purposes of-- 7#a7 developing an industry-leading preschool nutrition education and meal program designed to help prevent the onset of childhood obesity and develop foundational healthy eating and lifestyle habits1 7#b7 creating nutritious and healthy made-from-scratch meals and menus using recipes that include mostly locally grown and produced organic foods1 7#c7 developing recipes and menus that will serve as a tool for parent awareness1 access to healthy food1 food preparation1 and eating1 and engagement in nutrition education1 7#d7 developing experiential educational curricula centered around farms1 farmers' markets1 and school gardens for parents and children1 7#e7 replicating ,farm-to-,preschool parent awareness and engagement in nutrition education1 healthy eating and food preparation nationally1 7#f7 supporting local and regional agriculture communities1 and 7#g7 promoting the institutionalization of preschool wellness policies4 7b7 ,availability and use of grants ,the ,secretary shall make grants under subsection 7a7-- 7#a7 to be used-- 7,a7 to support the initial costs of implementing a new1 or expanding an existing1 ,farm-to-,preschool program1 7,b7 in an amount not to exceed #bej1jjj to support the training and access to resources and information necessary to conduct a successful ,farm-to-,preschool program1 or 7,c7 in an amount not to exceed #ej1jjj to support the cost of conducting research1 identifying resources1 and developing partnerships to design a successful and sustainable ,farm-to-,preschool program1 7#b7 to eligible entities that agree to provide1 in cash or in kind1 not less that #bj percent of the cost of the use for which the respective grants are made1 and 7#c7 to achieve to the maximum extent practicable geographical diversity and grantee participation in urban1 rural and tribal communities4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the first fiscal year for which funds are appropriated to carry out this section1 the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall report to ,congress on the progress made in carrying out programs funded by grants under this section1 including preschool nutrition education curricula centered around farms1 farmers' markets1 and school gardens1 and the institutionalization of preschool wellness policies4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years #bjad through #bjah in the aggregate #aj1jjj1jjj to carry out this section4 #ajg4 ,extension of pilot projects to evaluate health and nutrition promotion in the supplemental nutrition assistance program ,section #ag7k77#e77;,a7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcf7k77#e77;,a77 is amended by striking #bjab and inserting #bjah4 #ajh4 ,expanding and improving the affordability and nutritional integrity of the ,,usda ,fresh ,fruit and ,vegetable ,program ,subsection 7b7 of section #ai of the ,richard ,b4 ,russell ,national ,school ,lunch ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #agfi;a7b77 is amended to read as follows3 7b7 ,program ,a school participating in the program-- 7#a7 shall make free fruits and vegetables available to students throughout the school day 7or at such other times as are considered appropriate by the ,secretary7 in #a or more areas designated by the school2 and 7#b7 may make free fruits and vegetables in any other form 7such as fresh1 frozen1 dried1 pureed1 or canned7 available to students throughout the school day 7or at such other times as are considered appropriate by the ,secretary7 in #a or more areas designated by the school only if such fruits and vegetables meet any additional nutrition specifications1 as established by the ,secretary4 4 ,,ii ,creation of the ,healthy ,food ,financing ,initiative #bja4 ,purpose and definitions 7a7 ,purpose ,the purpose of the ,healthy ,food ,financing ,initiative is to improve access to healthy foods in underserved areas1 to create and preserve quality jobs1 and to revitalize low-income communities by providing loans and grants to retailers of fresh and healthy food to overcome the higher costs and initial barriers to entry in underserved urban1 suburban1 and rural areas4 7b7 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,community development financial institution ,the term community development financial institution has the meaning given the term in section #ajc of the ,community ,development ,banking and ,financial ,institutions ,act of #aiid 7#ab ,u4,s4,c4 #dgjb74 7#b7 ,expand or preserve the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables in underserved areas ,the term expand or preserve the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables in underserved areas means-- 7,a7 in the case of a project not involving a regional food hub1 a project that-- 7i7 carries a variety of fresh produce1 as defined by the national fund manager to reflect differences in project size and type2 7ii7 sells food for home preparation and consumption2 and 7iii7 at a minimum-- 7,i7 offers for sale at least #c different varieties of food in each of the #d staple food groups 7bread and grains1 dairy1 fruits and vegetables1 and meat1 poultry1 and fish71 with perishable food in at least #b categories1 on a daily basis2 or 7,,ii7 has at least #ej percent of the total sales of the store 7including food and nonfood items or services7 from the sale of eligible staple food2 and 7,b7 in the case of a regional food hub1 a project that-- 7i7 supplies a variety of fresh produce to a healthy food retailer located in an underserved1 low- and moderate-income area2 and 7ii7 participates in the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaa et seq474 7#c7 ,farmers' market ,the term farmers' market means a common facility or area in which several agricultural producers gather on a regular and recurring basis to sell a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and other locally grown agricultural products directly to consumers4 7#d7 ,food access organization ,the term food access organization means a nonprofit organization with expertise in improving access to healthy food in underserved communities4 7#e7 ,healthy food retailer ,the term healthy food retailer means a commercial1 cooperative1 and nonprofit seller of fresh or healthy food1 including a grocery store1 mobile healthy food retailer1 farmers' market1 cooperative1 corner store1 bodega1 or other store that sells other food and non-food options along with a full range of fresh or healthy foods4 7#f7 ,initiative ,the term ,initiative means the ,healthy ,food ,financing ,initiative4 7#g7 ,local funds ,the term local funds means the allocation of national funds and any other forms of financial assistance 7including grants1 loans1 and equity investments7 that are raised by partnerships to carry out the purposes of the ,initiative4 7#h7 ,national funds ,the term national funds means amounts appropriated to carry out the ,initiative and any other forms of financial assistance 7including grants1 loans1 and equity investments7 that are raised by the national fund manager to carry out the ,initiative4 7#i7 ,national fund manager ,the term national fund manager means a community development financial institution in existence as of the date of enactment of this ,act and certified by the ,community ,development ,financial ,institutions ,fund of the ,department of the ,treasury that is designated by the ,secretary to manage the ,initiative for purposes of-- 7,a7 raising private capital2 7,b7 providing financial and technical assistance to partnerships2 and 7,c7 funding eligible projects directly at the request of partnerships to attract retailers of healthy food to underserved urban1 suburban1 and rural areas in accordance with this title4 7#aj7 ,partnership 7,a7 ,in general ,the term partnership means a regional1 ,state1 or local public and private partnership that is organized to improve access to healthy foods by providing financial and technical assistance to eligible projects4 7,b7 ,inclusions ,the term includes-- 7i7 an unit of ,state1 local1 or tribal government or a quasi-public ,state or local government agency2 7ii7 a food access or community health organization committed to improving access to healthy foods2 7iii7 a community development financial institution or other organization that is capable of administering a loan and grant program in accordance with this title2 and 7iv7 other organizations interested in improving access to healthy foods in underserved areas4 7#aa7 ,perishable food 7,a7 ,in general ,the term perishable food means food that is fresh1 refrigerated1 or frozen4 7,b7 ,exclusion ,the term perishable food does not include packaged or canned goods4 7#ab7 ,regional food hub ,the term regional food hub means a business or organization that actively manages the aggregation1 distribution1 and marketing of source-identified food products primarily from local and regional producers to strengthen the ability of the producers to satisfy wholesale1 retail1 and institutional demand4 7#ac7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,agriculture4 7#ad7 ,serve ,the term serve means1 with respect to a regional food hub1 that the regional food hub1 in connection with an eligible project1 supplies fresh produce or other healthy foods-- 7,a7 to a healthy food retailer that participates in the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaa et seq472 7,b7 to a healthy food retailer located in a low- or moderate-income area2 and 7,c7 to institutions such as hospitals1 schools1 or food banks that largely serve a low- and moderate-income area4 7#ae7 ,staple food 7,a7 ,in general ,the term staple food means food that is a basic dietary item1 including bread1 flour1 fruits1 vegetables1 and meat4 7,b7 ,exclusions ,the term staple food does not include snack or accessory food 7such as chips1 soda1 coffee1 condiments1 and spices7 or ready-to-eat1 prepared food4 7#af7 ,variety ,the term variety means an assortment of different types of food items4 #bjb4 ,establishment of ,healthy ,food ,financing ,initiative and eligible projects 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established in the ,department of ,agriculture a ,healthy ,food ,financing ,initiative4 7b7 ,management ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall select and enter into a grant agreement with a national fund manager that will be responsible for the management of the ,initiative4 7c7 ,eligible projects 7#a7 ,eligibility criteria ,subject to the requirements of this section1 the national fund manager shall establish the eligibility criteria for projects to be assisted by the ,initiative4 7#b7 ,required project elements ,to be eligible to receive assistance through the ,initiative1 a project shall-- 7,a7 include a supermarket1 grocery store1 regional food hub1 farmers' market1 or other healthy food retailer2 7,b7 consist of a for-profit business enterprise1 a member- or worker-owned cooperative1 or a nonprofit organization2 7,c7 meet the eligibility criteria established under this section2 7,d7 continue to be a viable business enterprise with a financial viability plan2 7,e7 require an investment of public funding to move forward and be competitive2 7,f7 operate on a self-service basis2 7,g7 expand or preserve the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables in underserved areas and other healthy1 fresh1 high quality unprepared and unprocessed foods in such areas2 and 7,h7 7i7 in the case of a regional food hub1 serve retailers that accept benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaa et seq472 or 7ii7 in the case of a retailer that is not a regional food hub1 agree to accept such benefits4 7d7 ,income criteria ,each eligible project shall be located in or1 in the case of a project involving a regional food hub1 shall serve-- 7#a7 a low- or moderate-income census tract1 as determined by the ,bureau of the ,census of the ,department of ,commerce2 7#b7 a population census tract that is treated as a low-income community under section #de;,d7e7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf2 or 7#c7 an area that significantly serves an adjacent area that meets the criteria described in paragraph 7#a7 or 7#b71 as approved by the national fund manager4 7e7 ,underserved criteria 7#a7 ,in general ,each eligible project shall be located in1 or in the case of a project involving a regional food hub1 shall serve1 an underserved area1 as determined by the partnerships according to criteria established by the national fund manager4 7#b7 ,factors ,in determining whether an area is an underserved area1 the following factors shall be taken into consideration3 7,a7 ,population density4 7,b7 ,below average supermarket density or sales4 7,c7 ,car ownership4 7,d7 ,geographical or physical barriers1 such as highways1 mountains1 major parks1 bodies of water1 or areas with large amounts of vacant lots or foreclosed properties4 7#c7 ,locations ,on an annual basis1 the national fund manager shall collect data and publish maps that show the location of underserved areas4 7f7 ,priority projects 7#a7 ,in general ,priority shall be given to projects that-- 7,a7 are located in severely distressed low-income communities1 as defined by the ,community ,development ,financial ,institutions ,fund of the ,department of the ,treasury2 and 7,b7 include #a or more of the following characteristics3 7i7 ,the project will create or retain quality jobs in the community1 as determined in accordance with paragraph 7#b74 7ii7 ,the project has community support in terms of store quality1 affordability1 site location1 and coordination with local community plans or other programs promoting community and economic development4 7iii7 ,the project supports regional food systems and locally grown foods1 to the extent available4 7iv7 ,in major metropolitan areas1 the project is associated with a transit-oriented development project4 7v7 ,in areas with public transit1 the project is accessible by public transit4 7vi7 ,the project involves the reuse of a building that is listed in or eligible for the ,national ,register of ,historic ,places4 7vii7 ,the project involves a brownfield or grayfield 7as those terms are used in the ,comprehensive ,environmental ,response1 ,compensation1 and ,liability ,act of #aihj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ifja et seq4774 7viii7 ,the estimated energy consumption of the project1 calculated using building energy software approved by the ,department of ,energy1 will qualify the project for designation under the ,energy ,star program established by section #cbd;,a of the ,energy ,policy and ,conservation ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbid;a74 7ix7 ,the project involves women- and minority-owned businesses4 7#b7 ,quality jobs ,for purposes of paragraph 7#a77;,b77i71 a quality job is a job that-- 7,a7 provides wages that are comparable to or better than similar positions in existing businesses of similar size in similar local economies2 7,b7 offers benefits that are comparable to or better than what is offered for similar positions in existing local businesses of similar size in similar local economies2 and 7,c7 is targeted for residents of neighborhoods with a high proportion of persons of low income 7as that term is defined in section #ajb7;a7 of the ,housing and ,community ,development ,act of #aigd 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjb7;a777 through local targeted hiring programs4 #bjc4 ,duties of ,secretary 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 designate a national fund manager to manage national funds2 7#b7 oversee the ,initiative nationally2 7#c7 work closely with the national fund manager-- 7,a7 to ensure that funds are used appropriately and in the most effective manner practicable2 and 7,b7 to develop the program strategy into a detailed work plan1 program1 and operating budget2 7#d7 review and approve the operating budget for the national fund manager to ensure that the administrative costs are-- 7,a7 reasonable 7not more than #e percent of the total budget72 7,b7 connected to the costs of operations2 and 7,c7 reflect efficient operations by the national fund manager2 and 7#e7 make available to the public an annual report1 using data obtained from the ,department of ,agriculture1 the ,department of ,health and ,human ,services1 and the community development financial institutions1 that describes the impacts of the ,initiative1 including tracking health and economic development indicators at the local1 ,state1 and national levels to determine the impacts of individual projects and the collective impact in local areas and statewide of funded projects and the ,initiative overall4 7b7 ,performance targets 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall conduct financial audits of1 and establish performance targets for1 the national fund manager1 which shall include1 at a minimum1 the requirements described in this subsection4 7#b7 ,geographic spread ,partnerships funded by the ,initiative shall be geographically diverse and representative of the underserved areas across the ,united ,states4 7#c7 ,focus on low-income communities ,a substantial portion of the projects funded by partnerships shall serve very low- and low-income communities1 as defined by the ,bureau of the ,census of the ,department of ,commerce4 7#d7 ,financial effectiveness of the national fund manager ,the national fund manager and any local financial institution involved in a partnership shall demonstrate on-going capacity and timeliness in raising private capital and disbursing funds as required under the ,initiative4 7#e7 ,technical assistance effectiveness of the national fund manager ,the provision of technical assistance by the national fund manager shall be evaluated based on-- 7,a7 the responsiveness of the national fund manager to requests for assistance2 and 7,b7 the ability of the national fund manager to craft programs that develop needed new capacities in partnerships4 7#f7 ,impact ,performance targets shall address the allocation of funds by the national fund manager to partnerships and the tracking and reporting of the impacts of the funds in improving access to fresh1 healthy foods and in achieving other related impacts4 7c7 ,disbursement of funds ,the ,secretary shall assist in the administration of the ,initiative by approving the disbursement of funds to the national fund manager in a manner that facilitates the implementation of the overall ,initiative4 #bjd4 ,national fund manager 7a7 ,selection of ,national fund manager ,the ,secretary shall select the national fund manager through a competitive process from among community development financial institutions that have a proven and recent track record of success and effectiveness in-- 7#a7 attracting private capital2 7#b7 developing and managing programs that provide grants and loans to support supermarkets and other healthy food retailers in low- and moderate-income areas1 including the development of grocery stores1 farmers markets1 and other healthy food retailer models2 7#c7 making and servicing loans that are similar to loans proposed in the ,initiative or having a record of otherwise successfully investing in the development of healthy food retailers2 7#d7 effectively managing multiple contracts and subcontractors2 7#e7 effectively managing large capital pools1 of at least #ajj1jjj1jjj2 and 7#f7 providing or contracting for the provision of technical assistance4 7b7 ,responsibilities of the national fund manager ,the designated national fund manager shall-- 7#a7 raise other forms of financial assistance to match or leverage the national funds2 7#b7 use administrative funds to develop appropriate training programs and offer technical assistance services to-- 7,a7 partnerships2 7,b7 ,state1 local1 and tribal governments2 7,c7 the food retail industry2 and 7,d7 food access and health advocacy organizations to augment local capacities2 7#c7 develop financial products such as loans1 grants1 and credit enhancement tools that can be used by partnerships to incentivize and support the development and retention of supermarkets and other healthy food retailers in underserved areas2 7#d7 award ,initiative funds to eligible partnerships through an annual competitive process in accordance with section #bje7;d72 7#e7 contract with a national food access organization to assist in the review of applications from partnerships and to provide technical assistance to local food access organizations in the proposed partnerships2 7#f7 award and disburse funds to partnerships or eligible local projects in a timely manner2 7#g7 create and meet performance benchmarks and reporting guidelines1 as approved by the ,secretary1 including for-- 7,a7 the amount of capital raised and leveraged from financial institutions1 partnerships1 and other resources2 7,b7 the geographic diversity of partnerships2 and 7,c7 the proportion of projects funded by the partnership that are in severely distressed low-income communities2 7#h7 develop program guidelines and operating procedures for the ,initiative1 including-- 7,a7 maximum grant and loan amounts for projects2 7,b7 eligible uses of funds2 7,c7 prudent underwriting criteria2 7,d7 performance targets2 7,e7 reporting guidelines2 7,f7 limits on administrative costs2 and 7,g7 implementation milestones2 7#i7 monitor the performance of partnerships2 and 7#aj7 collect data1 compile information1 and conduct such research studies as the national fund manager determines to be relevant to the successful implementation of the ,initiative1 including-- 7,a7 to assess national and local market conditions2 7,b7 to determine barriers to market entry2 and 7,c7 to identify opportunities for the development or retention of supermarkets and other healthy food retailers in underserved communities4 7c7 ,work plan 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #de days after the date of receipt of an award1 the national fund manager shall develop1 with guidance from and in consultation with the ,secretary1 and submit to the ,secretary1 a detailed work plan4 7#b7 ,approval required ,the ,secretary shall review and approve the work plan1 program budget1 and administrative costs under subsection 7e77#d77;,c7 prior to entering into an agreement with the national fund manager to administer the ,initiative4 #bje4 ,allocation and use of funds 7a7 ,allocation ,the national fund manager shall-- 7#a7 allocate at least #gj percent of all funds appropriated for the ,initiative for a fiscal year to partnerships that are selected based on the criteria described in subsection 7d72 7#b7 use not more than #be percent of all funds appropriated for the ,initiative for a fiscal year to establish regional food hubs2 and 7#c7 retain the remainder of the funds appropriated for the ,initiative for a fiscal year to undertake financing activities described in subsection 7c71 including a reasonable amount for administrative costs 7not to exceed #e percent7 approved by the ,secretary4 7b7 ,use of the national funds by partnership programs 7#a7 ,in general ,as a condition on the receipt of funds1 each partnership shall use-- 7,a7 the national funds received from the national fund manager under subsection 7a77#a7 to create #a or more revolving loan programs or other revolving pools of capital or other products to facilitate financing of local projects as determined by the agreement between the partnership and the national fund manager2 and 7,b7 any remaining funds for grants1 or1 as approved1 for innovative financing mechanisms4 7#b7 ,limitations 7,a7 ,in general ,use of funds for administrative costs and other purposes shall be-- 7i7 limited in accordance with the terms of the agreement negotiated between the national fund manager and partnerships2 7ii7 based on whether administrative costs are reasonable1 connected to the costs of operation1 and reflect efficient operations by the partnership2 and 7iii7 determined using criteria including geographic coverage1 program duration1 and total funding amount4 7,b7 ,goal ,the goal of this paragraph is to limit administrative costs to the maximum extent practicable1 but in no case may the amount used for administrative costs exceed #aj percent of the ,federal funds allocated4 7c7 ,use of the national funds by the national fund manager ,the national fund manager shall use national funds described in subsection 7a77#b7 to undertake financing and other activities to enhance and maximize the effectiveness of the ,initiative1 as determined by the agreement with the ,secretary1 including-- 7#a7 attracting other forms of financial assistance to match or leverage the national funds2 7#b7 awarding national funds to partnerships in accordance with subsection 7d72 7#c7 creating and managing pools of grant or loan capital that blend or leverage national funds with other forms of financial assistance1 including capital in the form of tax credits under section #de;,d of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf1 for the benefit of partnerships2 7#d7 creating and managing pools of grant or loan capital that blend or leverage the national funds with other forms of financial assistance1 including capital in the form of tax credits under section #de;,d of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf1 to finance eligible local projects identified by partnerships or the national fund manager that have special or unique characteristics2 7#e7 providing loans or grants directly to eligible local projects as matching funds if requested by a partnership2 7#f7 providing credit enhancement or other financial products and instruments for the benefit of partnerships or eligible local projects2 7#g7 providing technical assistance2 and 7#h7 funding reasonable administrative costs approved by the ,secretary4 7d7 ,criteria for awarding national funds to partnerships 7#a7 ,in general ,the national fund manager shall award national funds to partnerships through a competitive process on an annual basis4 7#b7 ,first round priority ,in the first round of funding1 the national fund manager shall give priority to existing partnerships that have demonstrable capacity to implement fresh food financing programs in underserved areas quickly4 7#c7 ,additional rounds ,additional rounds shall be designed to promote geographic diversity4 7#d7 ,criteria ,in awarding national funds to partnerships1 the national fund manager shall consider-- 7,a7 the amount of funds and other resources pledged by a partnership to match or leverage national funds2 7,b7 the degree of ,state1 local1 or tribal government support of the partnership as evidenced by matching grant and loan funds or other types of support1 such as allocation of tax-exempt bonds1 loan guarantees1 and coordination of resources from other ,state or local economic development programs2 7,c7 the capacity of the partnership to successfully develop and manage loan and grant programs2 7,d7 the lack of supermarkets and other healthy food retailers in low- and moderate-income areas that would be served by the partnership2 7,e7 the experience of the food access or community health organization of the partnership in outreach about access to healthy foods and local healthy food access issues2 7,f7 the degree of community engagement and support in the development and retention of supermarkets and other healthy food retailers2 and 7,g7 the contribution of the program of the partnership to the overall geographic diversity of the ,initiative4 7e7 ,administrative costs 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #de days after the date of receipt of an award1 the national fund manager shall submit to the ,secretary for approval a #c-year program and operating budget and detailed work plan that shall include-- 7,a7 costs for research and evaluation1 technical assistance1 and training2 and 7,b7 program and operating costs4 7#b7 ,earned revenues ,earned revenues from loan fees and interest may be expended on program and operating costs in accordance with the budget approved by the ,secretary4 7#c7 ,basis of review ,the ,secretary shall base the review under subparagraph 7,a7 on-- 7,a7 the likelihood of the plan and expenditures to further the purposes of this section2 and 7,b7 whether the administrative costs are reasonable1 connected to the costs of operation1 and reflect efficient operations by the national fund manager4 #bjf4 ,partnerships 7a7 ,in general ,each partnership that receives assistance through the ,initiative shall provide financial and technical assistance to eligible healthy food retailer projects in underserved areas within the defined communities of the partnership4 7b7 ,administration ,each partnership shall designate a community development financial institution or other organization that is capable of administering a loan and grant program-- 7#a7 to execute grant agreements with the national fund manager2 and 7#b7 to serve as the manager of local funds4 7c7 ,responsibilities of partnerships ,a partnership shall-- 7#a7 raise other forms of financial assistance to match the national funds received by the partnership2 7#b7 provide marketing and outreach to communities1 the supermarket industry1 other healthy food retailers1 ,state and local government officials1 and civic and public interest organizations-- 7,a7 to solicit applications from underserved areas from across the ,state or locality to be served by the partnership2 and 7,b7 to inform the communities and other persons about the availability of grants1 loans1 training1 and technical assistance2 7#c7 review and underwrite projects to determine whether-- 7,a7 a proposed project meets the criteria for eligible projects under section #jb2 and 7,b7 a proposed project meets the criteria for priority projects under subsection 7g7 of such section2 7#d7 provide technical assistance services to operators and developers of healthy food retailers2 7#e7 track and report outcomes1 including-- 7,a7 the number of jobs created or retained2 7,b7 the quantity of healthy food retailer space created or retained and the quantity of regional food hub capacity developed2 and 7,c7 such other health and economic indicators as are required by the national fund manager2 7#f7 monitor and audit funded projects to ensure compliance with the ,initiative1 the national fund manager1 and partnership program requirements for a period of at least #c years2 7#g7 submit an annual report to the national fund manager that describes-- 7,a7 the activities of the partnership2 7,b7 the expenditure of local funds2 and 7,c7 success in meeting performance targets and satisfying such other terms and conditions as are specified in the agreement between the partnership and the national fund manager2 and 7#h7 coordinate with the national fund manager for the smooth operation of the ,initiative4 7d7 ,administrative costs 7#a7 ,in general ,as a condition on the receipt of assistance under this section1 each partnership shall submit to the national fund manager for approval a #c-year budget and plan for all program and operating costs1 including-- 7,a7 costs for research and evaluation1 technical assistance1 and training2 and 7,b7 administrative and operating costs4 7#b7 ,earned revenues ,earned revenues from loan fees and interest may be expended on program and operating costs in accordance with the budget approved by the national fund manager4 7#c7 ,basis of review ,the national fund manager shall base the review of the budget and plan under paragraph 7#a7 on the likelihood of the budget and plan to further the purposes of the ,initiative4 #bjg4 ,evaluation and monitoring 7a7 ,in general ,program evaluation and financial audits shall occur at all levels of the ,initiative to ensure that-- 7#a7 national and local funds are used properly2 and 7#b7 the objectives of the ,initiative are met4 7b7 ,program evaluation and financial audits 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 conduct periodic program evaluations and financial audits of the national fund manager1 partnerships1 and projects funded by the ,initiative2 and 7,b7 share with the national fund manager the results of the evaluations and audits4 7#b7 ,funded projects ,the ,secretary or the national fund manager shall evaluate partnerships to assess the health and economic impacts of projects funded by the ,initiative4 7#c7 ,other impacts 7,a7 ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services ,the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services shall conduct research studies and evaluate the health impacts of the ,initiative4 7,b7 ,community ,development ,financial ,institutions ,representatives of the community development financial institutions shall conduct research studies and evaluate the economic impacts of the ,initiative4 7#d7 ,partnerships 7,a7 ,in general ,each partnership shall-- 7i7 conduct periodic administrative and financial audits of projects funded by the ,initiative2 and 7ii7 share with the national fund manager the results of the audits4 7,b7 ,failure of partnership ,in a case in which a partnership fails1 the national fund manager shall take over the portfolio of the failed partnership4 #bjh4 ,administrative provisions ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the ,initiative1 including regulations-- 7#a7 for the conduct of a performance evaluation at the end of the initial #e-year period2 7#b7 to terminate the contract for cause2 and 7#c7 to extend the contract for an additional #e-year period4 #bji4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out the ,initiative #ejj1jjj1jjj4 ,amounts appropriated pursuant to this authorization of appropriation shall remain available until expended4 ,,iii ,development of ,sustainable ,urban ,agriculture #cja4 ,community gardening grant program 7a7 ,program established ,from the amounts appropriated to carry out this section1 the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall award grants to eligible entities to expand1 establish1 or maintain urban and ,native ,american community gardens4 7b7 ,application ,in order to receive a grant under this section1 an eligible entity shall submit to the ,secretary an application at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may require1 including-- 7#a7 an assurance that priority for hiring for jobs created by the expansion1 establishment1 or maintenance of an urban community garden funded with a grant received under this section will be given to individuals who reside in the community where the garden is located2 and 7#b7 a demonstration that the eligible entity is committed to providing non-,federal financial or in-kind support 7such as1 but not limited to1 providing a water supply7 for the community garden for which the entity receives funds under this section4 7c7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,eligible entity ,the term eligible entity means-- 7,a7 a for profit or nonprofit organization2 or 7,b7 a unit of general local government1 or tribal government1 located on tribal land or in a low-income community4 7#b7 ,low-income community ,the term low-income community has the meaning given such term by the ,secretary of ,agriculture4 7#c7 ,unit of general local government ,the term unit of general local government means any city1 county1 town1 township1 parish1 village1 or other general purpose political subdivision of a ,state4 7#d7 ,state ,the term ,state includes1 in addition to the several ,states of the ,united ,states1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,virgin ,islands1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 #cjb4 ,grants for conversion of abandoned and foreclosed property to urban agricultural uses 7a7 ,grants authorized ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture may make grants on a competitive basis to assist an eligible entity described in subsection 7b7-- 7#a7 to acquire1 by purchase or lease1 abandoned or foreclosed real property in an urban area where there is limited or no agricultural production2 and 7#b7 to convert the property to an agricultural use authorized by subsection 7c74 7b7 ,eligible entities described ,grants may be made under this section to a community organization1 municipality1 institution of higher education1 local school district1 nonprofit organization1 or for-profit entity4 7c7 ,authorized agricultural uses ,real property acquired using grant funds may be used for any of the following purposes3 7#a7 ,projects to encourage the production of local foods in an urban area4 7#b7 ,projects to strengthen local food distribution systems in an urban area4 7#c7 ,projects to create sustainable food systems in an urban area4 7#d7 ,projects to create or expand the opportunities to consume fresh fruits and vegetables in an urban area4 7#e7 ,projects to promote agricultural processing in an urban area4 7#f7 ,projects to encourage recipients of ,federal and ,state domestic food assistance programs to purchase locally grown or produced foods4 7#g7 ,projects to promote education and training related to best practices for agricultural production in an urban area4 7#h7 ,projects to promote education initiatives that promote the nutritional benefits of consuming locally produced foods4 7#i7 ,other projects to promote economic development through agricultural production in an urban area4 7d7 ,grant limitation ,the amount of a grant made under this section shall not exceed #ejj1jjj4 7e7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary such amounts as may be necessary to carry out this section4 #cjc4 ,expansion of ,harvest,corps program 7a7 ,authority ,to fund ,harvest,corps grants ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture may enter into an agreement with the ,director of the ,corporation for ,national and ,community ,service1 under which the ,secretary will provide funds to the ,corporation for ,national and ,community ,service to make up to #aj annual grants under section #aba of the ,national and ,community ,service ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abega7 to support the creation of the ,harvest,corps program-- 7#a7 to alleviate poverty and meet the food needs of low-income people by increasing their access to supportive programs1 such as the ,summer ,food ,service ,program1 the ,supplemental ,nutrition ,assistance ,program1 tax credits1 and other programs1 that increase the revenue and economic health of the low-income communities2 and 7#b7 to engage community resources and promote partnerships that address local food access issues4 7b7 ,grant process2 elimination of cost-,sharing requirements 7#a7 ,competitive process ,grants funded by the ,secretary under subsection 7a7 shall be awarded by the ,corporation on a competitive basis4 ,the ,corporation shall extend a preference to eligible entities 7as described in section #aba7;a7 of the ,national and ,community ,service ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abega7;a777 operating in the #aj ,states with the highest food insecurity rates1 as measured by the ,department of ,agriculture4 7#b7 ,grant amount2 duration ,a grant funded by the ,secretary under subsection 7a7 may not exceed #a1jjj1jjj per year4 ,the grant recipient may not receive a grant under this section for more than three years4 7#c7 ,matching funds ,the matching funds requirement of section #aba7;e7 of the ,national and ,community ,service ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abega7;e77 shall not apply to grants funded by the ,secretary under subsection 7a74 7c7 ,statewide use of grant ,the recipient of a grant funded by the ,secretary under subsection 7a7 shall agree to provide services on a statewide basis4 7d7 ,sharing information ,the ,secretary and the ,corporation may provide for the sharing of information concerning ,harvest,corps projects through publications1 conferences1 and other appropriate forums1 including sharing information with researchers1 practitioners1 and other interested parties4 7e7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary of ,agriculture #aj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjad1 #bjae1 and #bjaf to carry out this section4 #cjd4 ,acquisition of publically owned land and conversion to urban farms and community gardens 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,food desert ,the term food desert has the meaning given the term underserved community in section #be7;a77#c7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcd7;a77#c774 7#b7 ,community land trust ,the term community land trust means a community housing development organization1 as such term is defined in section #ajd7f7 of the ,cranston-,gonzalez ,national ,affordable ,housing ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abgjd7f771 except that the requirements under subparagraphs 7,c7 and 7,d7 of such section shall not apply for purposes of this section4 7b7 ,grants authorized ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall make competitive grants to nonprofit organizations1 including community land trusts1 to assist the organizations-- 7#a7 to purchase publically owned land in a food desert2 and 7#b7 to convert the land for use as an urban farm or community garden for the production of affordable1 nutritious foods4 7c7 ,matching funds requirement ,as a condition of receiving a grant under this section1 the nonprofit organization shall provide an amount of funds equal to not less than the amount of the grant4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary of ,agriculture such amounts as may be necessary to carry out this section4 #cje4 ,urban agricultural workforce training pilot program 7a7 ,authority ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,labor1 shall award not more than #be grants to eligible entities to develop and implement urban agricultural workforce training programs4 7b7 ,grants 7#a7 ,application ,an eligible entity seeking a grant under this section shall submit to the ,secretary of ,agriculture an application containing-- 7,a7 a description of the urban agricultural workforce training program such entity intends to develop and implement using grant funds2 and 7,b7 such other information as the ,secretary may require4 7#b7 ,equal amounts ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall award grants under this section in equal amounts4 7c7 ,term of grants2 condition 7#a7 ,term ,the term of a grant awarded under this section shall be two years4 7#b7 ,condition 7,a7 ,two-year availability of grant funds ,each recipient of a grant under this section shall return to the ,secretary of ,agriculture any unused portion of such grant at the end of the two-year period beginning on the date the grant was awarded1 together with any earnings on such unused portion4 7,b7 ,amounts returned ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall return to the general fund of the ,treasury of the ,united ,states any amounts returned pursuant to subparagraph 7,a74 7d7 ,use of grants 7#a7 ,in general ,an eligible entity that receives a grant under this section may only use grant funds for the following purposes3 7,a7 ,to develop and implement an urban agricultural workforce training program in accordance with paragraph 7#b74 7,b7 ,to provide funding to trainees to defray the start-up costs for new urban agricultural businesses of such trainees4 7#b7 ,urban agricultural activities ,an urban agricultural workforce training program developed and implemented by an eligible entity receiving a grant under this section shall provide training for individuals to carry out any of the following urban agricultural activities3 7,a7 ,designing1 constructing1 and maintaining biocellar structures4 7,b7 ,community gardening4 7,c7 ,urban farming4 7,d7 ,viticulture4 7,e7 ,agricultural education4 7,f7 ,rehabilitating land for agricultural use4 7,g7 ,developing farmers' markets4 7,h7 ,transporting fresh1 local food4 7,i7 ,developing mobile pantries for fresh produce4 7#c7 ,limitation ,not less than #cj percent of the amount received through a grant awarded under this section shall be used to provide the funding described in paragraph 7#a77;,b74 7e7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,eligible entity ,the term eligible entity means-- 7,a7 a unit of general local government located in an urban area 7as defined by the ,bureau of the ,census72 7,b7 a tribal government2 7,c7 an accredited college or university2 or 7,d7 a nonprofit organization4 7#b7 ,state ,the term ,state includes1 in addition to the several ,states of the ,united ,states1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,virgin ,islands1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7#c7 ,unit of general local government ,the term unit of general local government means any city1 county1 town1 township1 parish1 village1 or other general purpose political subdivision of a ,state4 7f7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section #e1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjad through #bjah4 #cjf4 ,urban agriculture development grants program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture may make grants to persons to cover the cost of establishing or operating a farm1 garden1 or aquacultural or other facility1 in an urban area1 for the production of an agricultural or aquacultural product or the raising of livestock for sale exclusively in the urban area4 7b7 ,limitations on use of grant ,a person to whom a grant is made under subsection 7a7 shall not use the grant for any expense other than for community educational programming1 transportation1 equipment1 utilities1 construction1 rehabilitation of property1 feed1 or operating expenses 7excluding salaries74 7c7 ,limitations on authorization of appropriations ,for grants under subsection 7a71 there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary of ,agriculture not more than #h1jjj1jjj1jjj for each fiscal year4 #cjg4 ,clean and safe drinking water for urban areas and waterways ,section #abcd7;c77#c77;,b7 of the ,food ,security ,act of #aihe 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #chcd7;c77#c77;,b77 is amended by inserting 1 or the extent to which water quality in a metropolitan statistical area 7as defined by the ,director of the ,office of ,management and ,budget7 downstream from the land that is the subject of the contract offer may be improved before the period at the end4 #cjh4 ,extension of assistance to socially disadvantaged urban farmers and ranchers 7a7 ,eligible land ,section #abdj;,a7#a77;,b77vi7 of the ,food ,security ,act of #aihe 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #chci;aa-#a7a77;,b77vi77 is amended by inserting urban agricultural land1 before and agricultural land4 7b7 ,increased payments for certain producers ,section #abdj;,b7d77#d77;,a7 of the ,food ,security ,act of #aihe 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #chci;aa-#b7;d77#d77;,a77 is amended by inserting 1 including a socially disadvantaged farmer engaged in farming in an urban area of #ej1jjj or more people1 before or a beginning farmer or rancher14 7c7 ,assistance to certain farmers or ranchers for conservation access ,section #abda7;g77#a77;,b7 of the ,food ,security ,act of #aihe 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #chda7;g77#a77;,b77 is amended by inserting 1 including socially disadvantaged farmers engaged in farming in an urban area of #ej1jjj or more people before the period at the end4 #cji4 ,urban entrepreneur and microenterprise assistance program ,subtitle ,d of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act is amended by inserting after section #cfe 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjjh7 the following3 #cff4 ,urban entrepreneur and microenterprise assistance program 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,economically disadvantaged microentrepreneur ,the term economically disadvantaged microentrepreneur means an owner1 majority owner1 or developer of a microenterprise that has the ability to compete in the private sector but has been impaired because of diminished capital and credit opportunities1 as compared to other microentrepreneurs in the industry4 7#b7 ,indian tribe ,the term ,indian tribe has the meaning given the term in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #dej;b74 7#c7 ,intermediary ,the term intermediary means a private1 nonprofit entity that provides assistance-- 7,a7 to a microenterprise development organization2 or 7,b7 for a microenterprise development program4 7#d7 ,low-income individual ,the term low-income individual means an individual with an income 7adjusted for family size7 of not more than the greatest of-- 7,a7 #hj percent of median income of an area2 7,b7 #hj percent of the statewide non-metropolitan area median income2 or 7,c7 #hj percent of the national median income4 7#e7 ,microcredit ,the term microcredit means a business loan or loan guarantee of not more than #ej1jjj that is provided to an urban entrepreneur4 7#f7 ,microenterprise ,the term microenterprise means-- 7,a7 a sole proprietorship2 or 7,b7 a business entity with not more than #aj full-time-equivalent employees4 7#g7 ,microenterprise development organization 7,a7 ,in general ,the term microenterprise development organization means a private1 nonprofit entity that-- 7i7 provides training and technical assistance to urban entrepreneurs2 and 7ii7 facilitates access to capital or another service described in subsection 7b7 for urban entrepreneurs4 7,b7 ,inclusions ,the term microenterprise development organization includes an organization described in subparagraph 7,a7 with a demonstrated record of delivering services to economically disadvantaged microentrepreneurs1 or an effective plan to develop a program to deliver microenterprise services to urban entrepreneurs effectively1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7#h7 ,microenterprise development program ,the term microenterprise development organization means a program administered by an organization serving an urban area4 7#i7 ,microentrepreneur ,the term microentrepreneur means the owner1 operator1 or developer of a microenterprise4 7#aj7 ,program ,the term program means the urban entrepreneur and microenterprise program established under subsection 7b77#a74 7#aa7 ,qualified organization ,the term qualified organization means-- 7,a7 a microenterprise development organization or microenterprise development program that has a demonstrated record of delivering microenterprise services to urban entrepreneurs1 or an effective plan to develop a program to deliver microenterprise services to urban entrepreneurs effectively1 as determined by the ,secretary2 7,b7 an intermediary that has a demonstrated record of delivery assistance to microenterprise development organizations or microenterprise development programs2 7,c7 a microenterprise development organization or microenterprise development program that serves urban entrepreneurs2 7,d7 an ,indian tribe1 the tribal government of which certifies to the ,secretary that no microenterprise development organization or microenterprise development program exists under the jurisdiction of the ,indian tribe2 7,e7 a group of #b or more organizations or ,indian tribes described in any of subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,d7 that agree to act jointly as a qualified organization under this section2 or 7,f7 for purposes of subsection 7b71 a public college or university4 7#ab7 ,urban area ,the term urban area means any community that is urban in character and has-- 7,a7 a population of more than #be1jjj individuals2 or 7,b7 an average population density of at least #a1jjj individuals per square mile4 7#ac7 ,urban capacity building service ,the term urban capacity building service means a service provided to an organization that-- 7,a7 is1 or is in the process of becoming1 a microenterprise development organization or microenterprise development program2 and 7,b7 serves urban areas for the purpose of enhancing the ability of the organization to provide training1 technical assistance1 and other related services to urban entrepreneurs4 7#ad7 ,urban entrepreneur ,the term urban entrepreneur means a microentrepreneur1 or prospective microentrepreneur-- 7,a7 the principal place of business of which is in a urban area2 and 7,b7 that is unable to obtain sufficient training1 technical assistance1 or microcredit elsewhere1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7#ae7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,agriculture1 acting through the ,rural ,business-,cooperative ,service4 7#af7 ,tribal government ,the term tribal government means the governing body of an ,indian tribe4 7b7 ,urban ,entrepreneurship and ,microenterprise ,program 7#a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary shall establish an urban entrepreneurship and microenterprise program4 7#b7 ,purpose ,the purpose of the program shall be to provide low-income individuals and moderate-income individuals with-- 7,a7 the skills necessary to establish new small businesses in urban areas2 and 7,b7 continuing technical and financial assistance as individuals and business starting or operating small businesses4 7#c7 ,grants 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may make a grant under the program to a qualified organization-- 7i7 to provide training1 operational support1 or an urban capacity building service to a qualified organization to assist the qualified organization in developing microenterprise training1 technical assistance1 market development assistance1 and other related services1 primarily for business with #e or fewer full-time-equivalent employees2 7ii7 to assist in researching and developing the best practices in delivering training1 technical assistance1 and microcredit to urban entrepreneurs2 and 7iii7 to carry out such other projects and activities as the ,secretary determines to be consistent with the purposes of this section4 7,b7 ,subgrants ,subject to such regulations as the ,secretary may promulgate1 a qualified organization that receives a grant under this paragraph may use the grant to provide assistance to other qualified organizations1 such as small or emerging qualified organizations4 7,c7 ,diversity ,in making grants under this paragraph1 the ,secretary shall ensure1 to the maximum extent practicable1 that grant recipients include qualified organizations-- 7i7 of varying sizes2 and 7ii7 that serve racially- and ethnically-diverse populations4 7,d7 ,cost sharing 7i7 ,federal share ,the ,federal share of the cost of a project carried out using funds from a grant made under this paragraph shall be #ge percent4 7ii7 ,form of non-,federal share ,the non-,federal share of the cost of a project described in clause 7i7 may be provided-- 7,i7 in cash 7including through fees1 grants 7including community development block grants71 and gifts72 or 7,,ii7 in kind4 7#d7 ,urban microloan program 7,a7 ,establishment ,in carrying out the program1 the ,secretary may carry out an urban microloan program4 7,b7 ,purpose ,the purpose of the urban microloan program shall be to provide technical and financial assistance to sole proprietorships and small businesses located in urban areas with a particular focus on those businesses with #e or fewer full-time equivalent employees4 7,c7 ,authority of secretary ,in carrying out the urban microloan program1 the ,secretary may-- 7i7 make direct loans to qualified organizations for the purpose of making short-term1 fixed interest rate microloans to startup1 newly established1 and growing urban microbusiness concerns2 and 7ii7 in conjunction with those loans1 provide grants in accordance with subparagraph 7,e7 to those qualified organizations for the purpose of providing intensive marketing1 management1 and technical assistance to small business concerns that are borrowers under this paragraph4 7,d7 ,loan duration2 interest rates2 conditions 7i7 ,loan duration ,a loan made by the ,secretary under this paragraph shall be for a term of #bj years4 7ii7 ,applicable interest rates ,a loan made by the ,secretary under this paragraph to a qualified organization shall bear an annual interest rate of at least #a percent4 7iii7 ,deferral of interest and principal ,the ,secretary may permit the deferral of payments1 for principal and interest1 on a loan made under this paragraph for a period of not more than #b years1 beginning on the date on which the loan was made4 7,e7 ,grant amounts 7i7 ,in general ,except as otherwise provided in this section1 each qualified organization that receives a loan under this paragraph shall be eligible to receive a grant to provide marketing1 management1 and technical assistance to small business concerns that are borrowers or potential borrowers under this subsection4 7ii7 ,maximum amount of grant for microenterprise development organizations ,each microenterprise development organization that receives a loan under this paragraph shall receive an annual grant in an amount equal to not more than #be percent of the total outstanding balance of loans made to the microenterprise development organization under this paragraph1 as of the date of provision of the grant4 7iii7 ,matching ,requirement 7,i7 ,in general ,as a condition of any grant made to a qualified organization under this subparagraph1 the ,secretary shall require the qualified organization to match not less than #ae percent of the total amount of the grant4 7,,ii7 ,sources ,in addition to cash from non-,federal sources1 a matching share provided by the qualified organization may include indirect costs or in-kind contributions funded under non-,federal programs4 7c7 ,administrative expenses ,not more than #aj percent of assistance received by a qualified organization for a fiscal year under this section may be used to pay administrative expenses4 7d7 ,funding 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #cj days after the date of enactment of this section1 and on ,october #a1 #bjac1 and each ,october #a thereafter through ,october #a1 #bjag1 out of any funds in the ,treasury not otherwise appropriated1 the ,secretary of the ,treasury shall transfer to the ,secretary to carry out this section #ej1jjj1jjj1 to remain available until expended4 7#b7 ,allocation of funds ,of the amount made available by paragraph 7#a7 for each fiscal year-- 7,a7 not less than #cj1jjj1jjj shall be available for use in carrying out subsection 7b77#c72 and 7,b7 not less than #bj1jjj1jjj shall be available for use in carrying out subsection 7b77#d71 of which not more than #g1jjj1jjj shall be used to support direct loans4 7,c7 ,receipt and acceptance ,the ,secretary shall be entitled to receive1 shall accept1 and shall use to carry out this section the funds transferred under paragraph 7#a71 without further appropriation4 4 #caj4 ,local farm business and market garden competitive loan program 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,agricultural commodity ,the term agricultural commodity has the meaning given the term in section #ajb of the ,agricultural ,trade ,act of #aigh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #efjb74 7#b7 ,eligible lending entity ,the term eligible lending entity means a government agency1 nonprofit organization1 or any other entity that the ,secretary designates to finance and facilitate the development of a local farm business project or market garden project4 7#c7 ,eligible producer ,the term eligible producer means an individual or group of individuals who carry out a local farm business project or market garden project4 7#d7 ,food desert ,the term food desert has the meaning given the term in section #gebg7;a7 of the ,food1 ,conservation1 and ,energy ,act of #bjjh 7,public ,law #aaj-bdf2 #abb ,stat4 #bjci74 7#e7 ,local farm business project ,the term local farm business project means a project on a farm or ranch that-- 7,a7 is for the production of an agricultural commodity for local markets in the local service area2 and 7,b7 is located on #a or more property lots1 the cumulative acreage of which shall be more than #a acre4 7#f7 ,local service area ,the term local service area means an area consisting of a certain mile radius 7as determined by the ,secretary7 from the physical location of production by an eligible local farm business or market garden project4 7#g7 ,market garden project ,the term market garden project means a project that-- 7,a7 is for the production of an agricultural commodity for local markets in the local service area2 and 7,b7 is located on #a or more property lots 7regardless of the population density of the area in which the property lots are located71 the cumulative acreage of which shall be more than acre4 7#h7 ,revolving loan fund ,the term revolving loan fund means a revolving loan fund established by an eligible lending entity as described in subsection 7c74 7#i7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,agriculture4 7#aj7 ,socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher ,the term socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher has the meaning given the term in section #cee7;e7 of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjjc7;e774 7#aa7 ,specialty crop ,the term specialty crop has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,specialty ,crops ,competitiveness ,act of #bjjd 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #afba note2 ,public ,law #ajh-dfe74 7#ab7 ,sustainable agriculture ,the term sustainable agriculture has the meaning given the term in section #adjd of the ,national ,agricultural ,research1 ,extension1 and ,teaching ,policy ,act of #aigg 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #cajc74 7b7 ,competitive loan program for eligible lending entities 7#a7 ,in general ,to support new entrepreneurship and job creation1 the ,secretary shall establish a local farm business and market garden competitive loan program under which the ,secretary shall make available to eligible lending entities loans to develop revolving loan funds to assist-- 7,a7 eligible producers in establishing local farm business projects or market garden projects that will locally produce fresh foods2 and 7,b7 local farm business projects and market garden projects to create local employment opportunities by-- 7i7 increasing farm and garden income by connecting producers and consumers2 7ii7 creating more reliable local food systems2 7iii7 diversifying food production2 7iv7 increasing consumer access to fresh1 local healthful foods produced by local farms1 ranches1 and market gardens in urban1 suburban1 or rural areas2 7v7 supporting nutrition education that incorporates participation of school children in farm- and garden-based agricultural education activities2 and 7vi7 preserving farmland4 7#b7 ,eligibility ,to be eligible to receive a loan under the program established under paragraph 7#a71 an eligible lending entity shall submit to the ,secretary an application at such time1 in such form1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may require4 7#c7 ,selection criteria 7,a7 ,approval ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this section and in accordance with this paragraph1 the ,secretary shall1 on a competitive basis1 begin assessing and approving such applications received under paragraph 7#b7 as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7,b7 ,criteria ,in considering a loan application received under paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretary shall-- 7i7 evaluate the extent to which the application demonstrates the ability of the eligible lending entity-- 7,i7 to manage1 market1 and administer a revolving loan fund2 7,,ii7 to assist local eligible producers to successfully meet local service area opportunities2 7,,iii7 to work with partners to provide technical support to eligible local farm business projects and market garden projects2 7,,iv7 to recruit1 educate1 and assist local producers to advance local farming and ranching opportunities that meet local service area needs2 and 7,v7 subject to paragraph 7#e71 to provide matching funds in the form of cash or in-kind services to properly implement and manage the revolving loan fund2 7ii7 assess-- 7,i7 the number and type of local farm business projects and market garden projects to be affected by local farm business project loan funding2 7,,ii7 the number of new jobs and eligible local farm business projects and market garden projects to be created by the revolving loan fund2 7,,iii7 the ability of an eligible local farm business project or market garden project-- 7aa7 to preserve farmland through economically and environmentally sustainable agriculture practices 7as determined by the ,secretary72 and 7bb7 to serve schools and institutions with a high proportion of students who are eligible for free or reduced price lunches under the ,richard ,b4 ,russell ,national ,school ,lunch ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #agea et seq472 7,,iv7 the degree to which an eligible local farm business project or market garden project-- 7aa7 incorporates experiential nutrition education2 7bb7 demonstrates the potential positive economic impact for the local economy2 7cc7 demonstrates environmentally sustainable agriculture practices2 and 7dd7 demonstrates a collaboration between schools or educational institutions1 nongovernmental organizations1 producer groups1 and other community and business partners2 and 7,v7 the market opportunity for eligible local farm business projects or market garden projects to sell products in the local community2 and 7iii7 consider any other factors that the ,secretary determines to be appropriate4 7,c7 ,regional balance ,to the maximum extent practicable1 in awarding loans under this section1 the ,secretary shall ensure that loan recipients-- 7i7 are geographically diverse2 7ii7 serve clients targeted by the loan program1 including socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers2 7iii7 serve clients located in areas with a variety of population densities1 including rural1 suburban1 urban1 and tribal areas2 and 7iv7 identify and serve food deserts within the local service area4 7,d7 ,priority 7i7 ,in general ,in considering loan applications received under paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretary shall give priority to applications that demonstrate the ability and willingness of the eligible lending entity-- 7,i7 to serve clients targeted by the program1 including1 as appropriate1 socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers2 7,,ii7 to assist with the financial management aspects of specialty crop farming and other types of local agricultural projects2 and 7,,iii7 to address the nutritional needs of an underserved area1 as determined in accordance with clause 7ii74 7ii7 ,underserved areas ,in determining whether an area is an underserved area1 the ,secretary shall consider-- 7,i7 population density2 7,,ii7 below-average supermarket density or sales2 7,,iii7 the rate of ownership of motor vehicles2 and 7,,iv7 geographical or physical barriers1 such as highways1 mountains1 major parks1 or bodies of water4 7#d7 ,loan terms for eligible lending entities 7,a7 ,in general ,for each fiscal year for which the ,secretary makes a loan to an eligible lending entity under this subsection1 the loan shall-- 7i7 be in an amount that is not less than #bjj1jjj and not more than #a1jjj1jjj2 and 7ii7 be used by the eligible lending entity to establish a revolving loan fund to provide loans for local farm business projects or market garden projects4 7,b7 ,term ,the term of a loan under this subsection shall not exceed #bj years from the date on which the loan is finalized4 7,c7 ,loan financing terms ,in making loans to eligible lending entities under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall-- 7i7 set the rate of interest at not more than #b percent per year2 and 7ii7 ensure that no payments are due on the loan during the first #b years of the loan4 7#e7 ,matching funds ,the ,secretary may not require an eligible lending entity that receives a loan under this subsection to provide1 from non-,federal sources1 in cash or in-kind1 the cost of carrying out activities under the loan4 7#f7 ,administrative expenses 7,a7 ,in general ,each eligible lending entity that receives a loan under this subsection shall be eligible additionally to receive a one-time grant for purposes described in subparagraph 7,b7 in an amount that is not more than the lesser of-- 7i7 #aj percent of the total amount of the loan received by the eligible lending entity2 or 7ii7 #ej1jjj4 7,b7 ,use of grant funds ,grant funds received under subparagraph 7,a7 may be used by the eligible lending entity only to pay management and technical support costs associated with the loan4 7,c7 ,interest rate ,if an eligible lending entity receives a grant under subparagraph 7,a71 the eligible lending entity may not set the interest rate of loans made by the eligible lending entity to local farm business projects or market garden projects at more than #c percent per year4 7#g7 ,progress reports 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the last day of each fiscal year1 each eligible lending entity that has a loan under this subsection shall submit to the ,secretary a report that includes-- 7i7 an evaluation of the progress of the revolving loan fund carried out by the eligible lending entity2 7ii7 a description of the revolving loan fund1 including information on all loans made to local farm business projects or market garden projects2 7iii7 a status update for the local farm business projects and market garden projects funded by the revolving loan fund that describes-- 7,i7 the amount of food produced2 7,,ii7 the amount of revenue generated2 and 7,,iii7 the number of new and retained jobs2 and 7iv7 such other information as the ,secretary may require4 7,b7 ,reports by the ,secretary ,not later than #c years after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,agriculture of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition1 and ,forestry of the ,senate a report that describes the results and findings of the loan program carried out under this subsection4 7#h7 ,annual review ,the ,secretary shall conduct an annual review of the financial records of each eligible lending entity that receives funding under this subsection-- 7,a7 to assess the financial soundness of the eligible lending entity2 and 7,b7 to determine the effective use of loan and grant funds made available to the eligible lending entity under this subsection4 7c7 ,revolving loan fund 7#a7 ,establishment and purpose ,each eligible lending entity that receives a loan under subsection 7b7 shall use the funds to establish a revolving loan fund to provide loans to eligible producers in the local service area4 7#b7 ,eligible activities ,loans made by an eligible lending entity under this subsection shall be used by the eligible producer to carry out eligible activities in the local service area1 including-- 7,a7 to carry out production projects for value-added food products2 7,b7 to provide working capital for general operational costs of the local farm business project or market garden project2 7,c7 to purchase project-related equipment2 7,d7 to purchase seeds1 plants1 and fruit or nut trees2 7,e7 to purchase livestock1 poultry1 and breeding stock2 7,f7 to construct and maintain irrigation systems2 7,g7 to construct buildings 7including barns1 sheds1 greenhouses1 and dry and cold storage sheds7 necessary to support production2 7,h7 to lease1 lease to purchase1 or directly purchase farmland or make a down payment on an accepted purchase offer for farmland2 or 7,i7 to carry out any other activity that the ,secretary determines to be in accordance with this section4 7#c7 ,loan conditions 7,a7 ,in general ,to be eligible to receive a loan under this section from an eligible lending entity1 an eligible producer shall-- 7i7 supply a minimum level of support of the cost of the local farm business project1 market garden project1 or institution costs1 as determined by the ,secretary2 and 7ii7 submit to the eligible lending entity-- 7,i7 documentation of1 as appropriate-- 7aa7 a long-term land lease contract granting the right to perform local production agriculture2 7bb7 a building lease2 or 7cc7 a deed of property ownership2 and 7,,ii7 a conservation plan and a sound business plan that is likely to result in a profitable business with sustainable employment for the eligible producer and any employees4 7,b7 ,secretarial approval2 guarantee 7i7 ,approval ,before an eligible lending entity may make a loan or package of loans to an eligible producer under this section1 the ,secretary shall approve the loan or package of loans in accordance with the requirements of this section4 7ii7 ,loan guarantee ,the ,secretary shall guarantee not more than #he percent of the principal and interest on each loan approved under clause 7i74 7#d7 ,priority ,in making loans under this subsection1 the eligible lending entity shall give priority to eligible producers that are operated by1 or that support-- 7,a7 qualified beginning farmers or ranchers 7as defined in section #cdc7;a7 of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #aiia7;a777 and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers2 7,b7 existing eligible producers1 whether owners or tenants1 who use loan funds to convert to agricultural production systems approved by the ,secretary2 7,c7 eligible producers who use loan funds to build conservation structures or carry out conservation practices2 7,d7 eligible producers who will supply fresh and locally produced food to underserved communities2 and 7,e7 existing eligible producers of agriculture commodities who want to diversify farm1 ranch1 or market garden production and income4 7#e7 ,loan terms for eligible producers 7,a7 ,in general ,a loan made by an eligible lending entity to an eligible producer under this subsection shall be in an amount that is-- 7i7 in the case of a local farm business project1 not less than #e1jjj and not more than #ajj1jjj2 and 7ii7 in the case of a market garden project1 not less than #c1jjj and not more than #ej1jjj4 7,b7 ,term ,the term of a loan under this subsection shall not exceed-- 7i7 in the case of a loan in an amount that is not more than #ce1jjj1 #ab years from the date on which the loan is finalized2 and 7ii7 in the case of all other loans1 #bj years from the date on which the loan is finalized4 7,c7 ,loan financing terms ,in making loans under this subsection1 an eligible lending entity shall-- 7i7 set the rate of interest at not more than #c percent per year2 7ii7 ensure that no payments are due on the loan during the first #i months of the loan2 and 7iii7 ensure that only interest is due on the loan during the period beginning on the last day of the period described in clause 7ii7 and ending #bd months after the issuance of the loan4 7,d7 ,loan forgiveness ,if an eligible producer has received a loan under this section to carry out a local farm business project or market garden project1 and after #c years the ,secretary determines that the project is successful1 the ,secretary may offer to forgive-- 7i7 up to #aj percent of the outstanding amount of the loan2 and 7ii7 in the case of an eligible producer supporting sustainable agriculture practices1 up to #bj percent of the outstanding amount of the loan4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary for each of fiscal years #bjad through #bjbb-- 7#a7 #bj1jjj1jjj to provide loans and grants under subsection 7b72 and 7#b7 #ajj1jjj for the administrative costs of carrying out this section4 ,,iv ,eradicating ,hunger #dja4 ,weekends and holidays without hunger ,section #ah of the ,richard ,b4 ,russell ,national ,school ,lunch ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #agfi7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7l7 ,weekends and holidays without hunger 7#a7 ,definitions ,in this subsection3 7,a7 ,at-risk school child ,the term at-risk school child has the meaning given the term in section #ag7r77#a74 7,b7 ,eligible institution 7i7 ,in general ,the term eligible institution means a public or private nonprofit institution that is determined by the ,secretary to be able to meet safe food storage1 handling1 and delivery standards established by the ,secretary4 7ii7 ,inclusions ,the term eligible institution includes-- 7,i7 an elementary or secondary school or school food service authority2 7,,ii7 a food bank or food pantry2 7,,iii7 a homeless shelter2 and 7,,iv7 such other type of emergency feeding agency as is approved by the ,secretary4 7#b7 ,establishment ,subject to the availability of appropriations provided in advance in an appropriations ,act specifically for the purpose of carrying out this subsection1 the ,secretary shall establish a program under which the ,secretary shall provide commodities1 on a competitive basis1 to eligible institutions to provide nutritious food to at-risk children on weekends and during extended school holidays during the school year4 7#c7 ,eligibility 7,a7 ,in general ,to be eligible to receive commodities under this subsection1 an eligible institution shall submit an application to the ,secretary at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may determine4 7,b7 ,plan ,an application under subparagraph 7,a7 shall include the plan of the eligible institution for the distribution of nutritious foods to at-risk school children1 including-- 7i7 methods of food service delivery to at-risk school children2 7ii7 assurances that children receiving foods under the project will not be publicly separated or overtly identified2 7iii7 lists of the types of food to be provided under the project and provisions to ensure food quality and safety2 7iv7 information on the number of at-risk school children to be served and the per-child cost of providing the children with food2 and 7v7 such other information as the ,secretary determines to be necessary to assist the ,secretary in evaluating projects that receive commodities under this subsection4 7#d7 ,priority ,in selecting applications under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall give priority to eligible institutions that-- 7,a7 have on-going programs and experience serving populations with significant proportions of at-risk school children2 7,b7 have a good record of experience in food delivery and food safety systems2 7,c7 maintain high quality control1 accountability1 and recordkeeping standards2 7,d7 provide children with readily consumable food of high nutrient content and quality2 7,e7 demonstrate cost efficiencies and the potential for obtaining supplemental funding from non-,federal sources to carry out projects2 and 7,f7 demonstrate the ability to continue projects for the full approved term of the pilot project period4 7#e7 ,guidelines 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall issue guidelines containing the criteria for projects to receive commodities under this section4 7,b7 ,inclusions ,the guidelines shall1 to the maximum extent practicable within the funds available and applications submitted1 take into account-- 7i7 geographical variations in project locations to include qualifying projects in rural1 urban1 and suburban areas with high proportions of families with at-risk school children2 7ii7 different types of projects that offer nutritious foods on weekends and during school holidays to at-risk school children2 and 7iii7 institutional capacity to collect1 maintain1 and provide statistically valid information necessary for the ,secretary-- 7,i7 to analyze and evaluate the results of the pilot project2 and 7,,ii7 to make recommendations to ,congress4 7#f7 ,evaluation 7,a7 ,interim evaluation ,not later than ,november #cj1 #bjaf1 the ,secretary shall complete an interim evaluation of the pilot program carried out under this subsection4 7,b7 ,final report ,not later than ,december #ca1 #bjag1 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress a final report that contains-- 7i7 an evaluation of the pilot program carried out under this subsection2 and 7ii7 any recommendations of the ,secretary for legislative action4 7#g7 ,funding 7,a7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as are necessary1 to remain available until expended4 7,b7 ,availability of funds ,not more than #c percent of the funds made available under subparagraph 7,a7 may be used by the ,secretary for expenses associated with review of the operations and evaluation of the projects carried out under this subsection4 4 #djb4 ,expansion and modernization of the commodity supplemental food program ,section #e of the ,agriculture and ,consumer ,protection ,act of #aigc 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #fab;c note7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a7 by striking #bjjh through #bjab and inserting #bjad through #bjah1 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#b77;,b7 by striking #bjjd through #bjab and inserting #bjad through #bjah1 and 7#b7 in subsection 7g7 by striking paragraph 7#b7 and inserting the following3 7#b7 women1 infants and children participating in the program as of the effective date of this paragraph4 ,the ,secretary may not require the enrollment in the program of women1 infants1 and children who are not participating in the program before the effective date of this sentence4 4 #djc4 ,expansion and modernization of the emergency food assistance program 7a7 ,amendments to the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh ,section #bg7;a77#b7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcf7;a77#b77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 and inserting the following3 7,a7 for fiscal years #bjad through #bjah1 #cej1jjj1jjj2 plus #ajj1jjj1jjj for each percentage point that unemployment exceeds the rate as of ,june #bjjh 7prorated such that each change of #j4a percent shall result in a change in funding of #aj1jjj1jjj74 ,the unemployment rate from ,june of the immediately preceding fiscal year shall be used to compute change from ,june #bjjh4 ,in any fiscal year1 the amount calculated in this subparagraph shall not be less than #cej1jjj1jjj4 1 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,c7-- 7,a7 by striking 7,c7 and inserting 7,b71 7,b7 by striking #bjaj through #bjab and inserting #bjad through #bjah1 7,c7 by striking subparagraph 7,b7 and inserting subparagraph 7,a71 and 7,d7 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and1 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 of the total funds made available under subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b71 not less than #ajj1jjj1jjj shall be to support ,state and local storage and distribution costs4 ,in addition1 each year ,states may transfer up to #e percent of total funds provided for commodity purchases into accounts used to fund storage and distribution costs at their discretion 4 7b7 ,amendments to the emergency food assistance act of #aihc ,the ,emergency ,food ,assistance ,act of #aihc 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #geja et seq47 is amended-- 7#a7 in section #bjb by adding at the end the following3 7h7 ,in addition to other considerations1 including but not limited to the need to intervene in depressed domestic agricultural markets1 the ,secretary shall consider the needs of ,states and demands on emergency food providers in making commodity purchase decisions4 1 and 7#b7 in section #bjd by striking #bjjh and inserting #bjad4 7c7 ,authority ,to use section #cb funds ,to respond to situations of high rates of food insecurity or unemployment ,the second sentence of section #cb of the ,act of ,august #bd1 #aice 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #fab;c7 is amended in paragraph 7#b7 by inserting after low-income groups the following3 or in situations of high rates of food insecurity or unemployment14 #djd4 ,food bank equipment and technology program 7a7 ,authority for program ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall develop and carry out a food bank equipment and technology program to make grants to eligible entities to be used within a #a-year period for the purchase of operating equipment and technology that increases the efficiency of a food bank4 ,eligible entities include nonprofit entities that operate food banks in urban areas4 7b7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section #aj1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years in the #c-year period beginning on the ,october #a of the #ast fiscal year that begins after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 ,v ,go ,green #eja4 ,green and ,sustainable ,schools1 ,museums1 and ,libraries ,grant ,program 7a7 ,grant program ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,energy1 shall establish a program to provide competitive grants to schools1 museums1 and libraries to increase energy efficiency4 7b7 ,criteria ,in awarding grants under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall target schools1 museums1 and libraries that are the most inefficient in the usage of energy and whose insulation1 lighting1 and equipment would benefit most by being upgraded to insulation1 lighting1 and equipment that is more energy efficient4 7c7 ,use of funds ,a school1 museum1 or library receiving a grant under subsection 7a7 shall use the funds received under such grant-- 7#a7 to increase energy efficiency through new construction1 rehabilitation1 expansion1 and upgrades2 and 7#b7 for organized programs1 events1 and initiatives to educate employees of schools1 museums1 or libraries on how to become more energy efficient4 7d7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,museum ,the term museum means a museum accredited by the ,american ,association of ,museums4 7#b7 ,school ,the term school means an elementary school or a secondary school1 as those terms are defined in section #iaja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ghja74