,i #aacth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #cajb ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,september #af1 #bjac ,mr4 ,lucas introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,agriculture1 and in addition to the ,committees on ,education and the ,workforce and ,foreign ,affairs1 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 amend the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh2 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,nutrition ,reform and ,work ,opportunity ,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--,supplemental nutrition assistance program ,sec4 #aja4 ,preventing payment of cash to recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance benefits for the return of empty bottles and cans used to contain food purchased with benefits provided under the program4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,retailers4 ,sec4 #ajc4 ,enhancing services to elderly and disabled supplemental nutrition assistance program participants4 ,sec4 #ajd4 ,food distribution program on ,indian reservations4 ,sec4 #aje4 ,updating program eligibility4 ,sec4 #ajf4 ,exclusion of medical marijuana from excess medical expense deduction4 ,sec4 #ajg4 ,standard utility allowances based on the receipt of energy assistance payments4 ,sec4 #ajh4 ,eligibility disqualifications4 ,sec4 #aji4 ,repeal of ,state work program waiver authority4 ,sec4 #aaj4 ,ending supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits for lottery or gambling winners4 ,sec4 #aaa4 ,improving security of food assistance4 ,sec4 #aab4 ,demonstration projects on acceptance of benefits of mobile transactions4 ,sec4 #aac4 ,use of benefits for purchase of community-supported agriculture share4 ,sec4 #aad4 ,restaurant meals program4 ,sec4 #aae4 ,mandating ,state immigration verification4 ,sec4 #aaf4 ,data exchange standardization for improved interoperability4 ,sec4 #aag4 ,pilot projects to improve ,federal-,state cooperation in identifying and reducing fraud in the supplemental nutrition assistance program4 ,sec4 #aah4 ,prohibiting ,government-sponsored recruitment activities4 ,sec4 #aai4 ,repeal of bonus program4 ,sec4 #abj4 ,funding of employment and training programs4 ,sec4 #aba4 ,monitoring employment and training programs4 ,sec4 #abb4 ,cooperation with program research and evaluation4 ,sec4 #abc4 ,pilot projects to reduce dependency and increase work effort in the supplemental nutrition assistance program4 ,sec4 #abd4 ,authorization of appropriations4 ,sec4 #abe4 ,limitation on use of block grant to ,puerto ,rico4 ,sec4 #abf4 ,assistance for community food projects4 ,sec4 #abg4 ,emergency food assistance4 ,sec4 #abh4 ,nutrition education4 ,sec4 #abi4 ,retailer trafficking4 ,sec4 #acj4 ,technical and conforming amendments4 ,sec4 #aca4 ,tolerance level for excluding small errors4 ,sec4 #acb4 ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands pilot program4 ,sec4 #acc4 ,annual ,state report on verification of ,,snap participation4 ,sec4 #acd4 ,termination of existing agreement4 ,sec4 #ace4 ,service of traditional foods in public facilities4 ,sec4 #acf4 ,testing applicants for unlawful use of controlled substances4 ,sec4 #acg4 ,eligibility disqualifications for certain convicted felons4 ,sec4 #ach4 ,expungement of unused supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits4 ,sec4 #aci4 ,pilot projects to promote work and increase ,state accountability in the supplemental nutrition assistance program4 ,sec4 #adj4 ,improved wage verification using the ,national ,directory of ,new ,hires4 ,sec4 #ada4 ,feasibility study for ,indian tribes4 ,title ,,ii--,commodity distribution programs ,sec4 #bja4 ,commodity distribution program4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,commodity supplemental food program4 ,sec4 #bjc4 ,distribution of surplus commodities to special nutrition projects4 ,sec4 #bjd4 ,processing of commodities4 ,title ,,iii--,miscellaneous ,sec4 #cja4 ,farmers' market nutrition program4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,nutrition information and awareness pilot program4 ,sec4 #cjc4 ,fresh fruit and vegetable program4 ,sec4 #cjd4 ,additional authority for purchase of fresh fruits1 vegetables1 and other specialty food crops4 ,sec4 #cje4 ,encouraging locally and regionally grown and raised food4 ,sec4 #cjf4 ,review of public health benefits of white potatoes4 ,sec4 #cjg4 ,healthy ,food ,financing ,initiative4 ,sec4 #cjh4 ,review of sole-source contracts in ,federal nutrition programs4 ,sec4 #cji4 ,purchase of ,halal and ,kosher food for emergency food assistance program4 ,i ,supplemental nutrition assistance program #aja4 ,preventing payment of cash to recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance benefits for the return of empty bottles and cans used to contain food purchased with benefits provided under the program ,section #c7k77#a7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjab7k77#a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and hot foods and inserting hot foods2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 and any deposit fee in excess of amount of the ,state fee reimbursement 7if any7 required to purchase any food or food product contained in a returnable bottle or can1 regardless of whether such fee is included in the shelf price posted for such food or food product14 #ajb4 ,retailers 7a7 ,definition of retail food store ,section #c7p77#a77;,a7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjab7p77#a77;,a77 is amended by striking at least #b and inserting at least #c4 7b7 ,alternative benefit delivery ,section #g7;f7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaf7;f77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking paragraph 7#b7 and inserting the following3 7#b7 ,imposition of costs 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,b71 the ,secretary shall require participating retailers 7including restaurants participating in a ,state option restaurant program intended to serve the elderly1 disabled1 and homeless7 to pay #ajj percent of the costs of acquiring1 and arrange for the implementation of1 electronic benefit transfer point-of-sale equipment and supplies4 7,b7 ,exemptions ,the ,secretary may exempt from subparagraph 7,a7-- 7i7 farmers' markets and other direct-to-consumer markets1 military commissaries1 nonprofit food buying cooperatives1 and establishments1 organizations1 programs1 or group living arrangements described in paragraphs 7#e71 7#g71 and 7#h7 of section #c7k72 and 7ii7 establishments described in paragraphs 7#c71 7#d71 and 7#i7 of section #c7k71 other than restaurants participating in a ,state option restaurant program4 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#d7 ,termination of manual vouchers 7,a7 ,in general ,effective beginning on the effective date of this paragraph1 except as provided in subparagraph 7,b71 no ,state shall issue manual vouchers to a household that receives supplemental nutrition assistance under this ,act or allow retailers to accept manual vouchers as payment1 unless the ,secretary determines that the manual vouchers are necessary1 such as in the event of an electronic benefit transfer system failure or a disaster situation4 7,b7 ,exemptions ,the ,secretary may exempt categories of retailers or individual retailers from subparagraph 7,a7 based on criteria established by the ,secretary4 7#e7 ,unique identification number required ,in an effort to enhance the antifraud protections of the program1 the ,secretary shall require all parties providing electronic benefit transfer services to provide for and maintain a unique business identification and a unique terminal identification number information through the supplemental nutrition assistance program electronic benefit transfer transaction routing system4 ,in developing the regulations implementing this paragraph1 the ,secretary shall consider existing commercial practices for other point-of-sale debit transactions4 ,the ,secretary shall issue proposed regulations implementing this paragraph not earlier than #b years after the date of enactment of this paragraph4 4 7c7 ,electronic benefit transfers ,section #g7;h77#c77;,b7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaf7;h77#c77;,b77 is amended by striking is operational-- and all that follows through 7ii7 in the case of other participating stores1 and inserting is operational4 7d7 ,approval of retail food stores and wholesale food concerns ,section #i of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjah7 is amended-- 7#a7 in the #b;d sentence of subsection 7a77#a7 by striking 2 and 7,c7 and inserting 2 7,c7 whether the applicant is located in an area with significantly limited access to food2 and 7,d72 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7g7 ,,ebt service requirement ,an approved retail food store shall provide adequate ,,ebt service as described in section #g7;h77#c77;,b74 4 #ajc4 ,enhancing services to elderly and disabled supplemental nutrition assistance program participants 7a7 ,enhancing services to elderly and disabled program participants ,section #c7p7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjab7p77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#c7 by striking and at the end1 7#b7 in paragraph 7#d7 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and1 and 7#c7 by inserting after paragraph 7#d7 the following3 7#e7 a governmental or private nonprofit food purchasing and delivery service that-- 7,a7 purchases food for1 and delivers such food to1 individuals who are-- 7i7 unable to shop for food2 and 7ii7 7,i7 not less than #fj years of age2 or 7,,ii7 physically or mentally handicapped or otherwise disabled2 7,b7 clearly notifies the participating household at the time such household places a food order-- 7i7 of any delivery fee associated with the food purchase and delivery provided to such household by such service2 and 7ii7 that a delivery fee cannot be paid with benefits provided under supplemental nutrition assistance program2 and 7,c7 sells food purchased for such household at the price paid by such service for such food and without any additional cost markup4 4 7b7 ,implementation 7#a7 ,issuance of rules ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall issue regulations that-- 7,a7 establish criteria to identify a food purchasing and delivery service referred to in section #c7p77#e7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh as amended by this ,act1 and 7,b7 establish procedures to ensure that such service-- 7i7 does not charge more for a food item than the price paid by the such service for such food item1 7ii7 offers food delivery service at no or low cost to households under such ,act1 7iii7 ensures that benefits provided under the supplemental nutrition assistance program are used only to purchase food1 as defined in section #c of such ,act1 7iv7 limits the purchase of food1 and the delivery of such food1 to households eligible to receive services described in section #c7p77#e7 of such ,act as so amended1 7v7 has established adequate safeguards against fraudulent activities1 including unauthorized use of electronic benefit cards issued under such ,act1 and 7vi7 such other requirements as the ,secretary deems to be appropriate4 7#b7 ,limitation ,before the issuance of rules under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary of ,agriculture may not approve more than #bj food purchasing and delivery services referred to in section #c7p77#e7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh as amended by this ,act1 to participate as retail food stores under the supplemental nutrition assistance program4 #ajd4 ,food distribution program on ,indian reservations ,section #d7;b77#f77;,f7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjac7;b77#f77;,f77 is amended by striking #bjab and inserting #bjaf4 #aje4 ,updating program eligibility ,section #e of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjad7 is amended-- 7#a7 in the #b;d sentence of subsection 7a7 by striking households in which each member receives benefits and inserting households in which each member receives cash assistance1 and 7#b7 in subsection 7j7 by striking or who receives benefits under a ,state program and inserting or who receives cash assistance under a ,state program4 #ajf4 ,exclusion of medical marijuana from excess medical expense deduction ,section #e7;e77#e7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjad7;e77#e77 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 ,exclusion of medical marijuana ,the ,secretary shall promulgate rules to ensure that medical marijuana is not treated as a medical expense for purposes of this paragraph4 4 #ajg4 ,standard utility allowances based on the receipt of energy assistance payments 7a7 ,standard utility allowances in the supplemental nutrition assistance program ,section #e7;e77#f77;,c7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjad7;e77#f77;,c77 is amended-- 7#a7 in clause 7i7 by inserting 1 subject to clause 7iv7 after ,secretary2 and 7#b7 by striking subclause 7,i7 of clause 7iv7 and inserting the following3 7,i7 ,in general ,subject to subclause 7,,ii71 if a ,state agency elects to use a standard utility allowance that reflects heating and cooling costs1 the standard utility allowance shall be made available to households that received a payment1 or on behalf of which a payment was made1 under the ,low-,income ,home ,energy ,assistance ,act of #aiha 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #hfba et seq47 or other similar energy assistance program1 if in the current month or in the immediately preceding #ab months1 the household either received such payment1 or such payment was made on behalf of the household1 that was greater than #bj annually1 as determined by the ,secretary4 2 and 7b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #bfje7;f77#b77;,a7 of the ,low-,income ,home ,energy ,assistance ,act of #aiha 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #hfbd7;f77#b77;,a77 is amended by inserting before the semicolon the following3 1 except that1 for purposes of the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaa et seq471 such payments or allowances were greater than #bj annually1 consistent with section #e7;e77#f77;,c77iv77,i7 of that ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjad7;e77#f77;,c77iv77,i771 as determined by the ,secretary of ,agriculture4 7c7 ,effective date and implementation 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 this section and the amendments made by this section shall take effect on ,october #a1 #bjac1 and shall apply with respect to certification periods that begin after such date4 7#b7 ,state option to delay implementation for current recipients ,a ,state may1 at the option of the ,state1 implement a policy that eliminates or reduces the effect of the amendments made by this section on households that received a standard utility allowance as of the date of enactment of this ,act1 for not more than a #ahj-;day period that begins on the date on which such amendments would otherwise apply to the respective household4 #ajh4 ,eligibility disqualifications ,section #f7;e77#c77;,b7 of ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjae7;e77#c77;,b77 is amended by striking section2 and inserting the following3 section1 subject to the condition that the course or program of study-- 7i7 is part of a program of career and technical education 7as defined in section #c of the ,carl ,d4 ,perkins ,career and ,technical ,education ,act of #bjjf 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #bcjb77 that may be completed in not more than #d years at an institution of higher education 7as defined in section #ajb of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajjb772 or 7ii7 is limited to remedial courses1 basic adult education1 literacy1 or ,english as a second language2 4 #aji4 ,repeal of ,state work program waiver authority ,section #f7o7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjae7o77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#b77;,d7 by striking 7#e71 or 7#f7 and inserting or 7#e72 7#b7 by striking paragraph 7#d72 7#c7 in paragraph 7#f7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,a77ii7-- 7i7 by striking subclause 7,,ii72 7ii7 in subclause 7,v7 by striking 7#e7 and inserting 7#d72 and 7iii7 by redesignating subclauses 7,,iii71 7,,iv71 and 7,v7 as subclauses 7,,ii71 7,,iii71 and 7,,iv71 respectively2 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,b7 by striking 7,g7 and inserting 7,h72 7,c7 in subparagraph 7,d7 by striking and each subsequent fiscal year and inserting through fiscal year #bjac2 7,d7 in subparagraph 7,f7 by striking and each subsequent fiscal year and inserting through fiscal year #bjac2 and 7,e7 by adding at the end the following3 7,h7 ,fiscal year #bjad and thereafter ,subject to subparagraph 7,g71 for fiscal year #bjad and each subsequent fiscal year1 a ,state agency may provide a number of exemptions such that the average monthly number of the exemptions in effect during the fiscal year does not exceed #ae percent of the number of individuals identified as ,nondisabled ,adults ,age #ah-di in ,childless ,households in the table ,b4#e ,distribution of ,participating ,households by ,household ,composition and by ,state of the report entitled ,characteristics of ,supplemental ,nutrition ,assistance ,program ,households3 ,fiscal ,year #bjaa 7,supplemental ,nutrition ,assistance ,program ,report ,no4 ,,snap-#ab-;,,char7 prepared for and published by the ,office of ,research and ,analysis of the ,food and ,nutrition ,service of the ,department of ,agriculture in ,november #bjab4 2 and 7#d7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#e71 7#f71 and 7#g7 as paragraphs 7#d71 7#e71 and 7#f71 respectively4 #aaj4 ,ending supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits for lottery or gambling winners 7a7 ,in general ,section #f of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjae7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7r7 ,ineligibility for benefits due to receipt of substantial lottery or gambling winnings 7#a7 ,in general ,any household in which a member receives substantial lottery or gambling winnings1 as determined by the ,secretary1 shall lose eligibility for benefits immediately upon receipt of the winnings4 7#b7 ,duration of ineligibility ,a household described in paragraph 7#a7 shall remain ineligible for participation until the household meets the allowable financial resources and income eligibility requirements under subsections 7c71 7d71 7e71 7f71 7g71 7i71 7k71 7l71 7m71 and 7n7 of section #e4 7#c7 ,agreements ,as determined by the ,secretary1 each ,state agency1 to the maximum extent practicable1 shall establish agreements with entities responsible for the regulation or sponsorship of gaming in the ,state to determine whether individuals participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program have received substantial lottery or gambling winnings4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendments ,section #e7;a7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjad7;a77 is amended in the #b;d sentence by striking sections #f7;b71 #f7;d77#b71 and #f7;g7 and inserting subsections 7b71 7d77#b71 7g71 and 7r7 of section #f4 #aaa4 ,improving security of food assistance ,section #g7;h77#h7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaf7;h77#h77 is amended-- 7#a7 in the heading by striking card fee and inserting of cards2 7#b7 by striking ,a ,state and inserting the following3 7,a7 ,fees ,a ,state 2 and 7#c7 by adding after subparagraph 7,a7 7as so designated by paragraph 7#b77 the following3 7,b7 ,purposeful loss of cards 7i7 ,in general ,subject to terms and conditions established by the ,secretary in accordance with clause 7ii71 if a household makes excessive requests for replacement of the electronic benefit transfer card of the household1 the ,secretary may require a ,state agency to decline to issue a replacement card to the household unless the household1 upon request of the ,state agency1 provides an explanation for the loss of the card4 7ii7 ,requirements ,the terms and conditions established by the ,secretary shall provide that-- 7,i7 the household be given the opportunity to provide the requested explanation and meet the requirements under this paragraph promptly2 7,,ii7 after an excessive number of lost cards1 the head of the household shall be required to review program rights and responsibilities with ,state agency personnel authorized to make determinations under section #e7;a72 and 7,,iii7 any action taken1 including actions required under section #f7;b77#b71 other than the withholding of the electronic benefit transfer card until an explanation described in subclause 7,i7 is provided1 shall be consistent with the due process protections under section #f7;b7 or #aa7;e77#aj71 as appropriate4 7,c7 ,protecting vulnerable persons ,in implementing this paragraph1 a ,state agency shall act to protect homeless persons1 persons with disabilities1 victims of crimes1 and other vulnerable persons who lose electronic benefit transfer cards but are not intentionally committing fraud4 7,d7 ,effect on eligibility ,while a ,state may decline to issue an electronic benefits transfer card until a household satisfies the requirements under this paragraph1 nothing in this paragraph shall be considered a denial of1 or limitation on1 the eligibility for benefits under section #e4 4 #aab4 ,demonstration projects on acceptance of benefits of mobile transactions ,section #g7;h7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaf7;h77 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#ad7 ,demonstration projects on acceptance of benefits of mobile transactions 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall pilot the use of mobile technologies determined by the ,secretary to be appropriate to test the feasibility and implications for program integrity1 by allowing retail food stores1 farmers markets1 and other direct producer-to-consumer marketing outlets to accept benefits from recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance through mobile transactions4 7,b7 ,demonstration projects ,to be eligible to participate in a demonstration project under subsection 7a71 a retail food store1 farmers market1 or other direct producer-to-consumer marketing outlet shall submit to the ,secretary for approval a plan that includes-- 7i7 a description of the technology2 7ii7 the manner by which the retail food store1 farmers market or other direct producer-to-consumer marketing outlet will provide proof of the transaction to households2 7iii7 the provision of data to the ,secretary1 consistent with requirements established by the ,secretary1 in a manner that allows the ,secretary to evaluate the impact of the demonstration on participant access1 ease of use1 and program integrity2 and 7iv7 such other criteria as the ,secretary may require4 7,c7 ,date of completion ,the demonstration projects under this paragraph shall be completed and final reports submitted to the ,secretary by not later than ,july #a1 #bjaf4 7,d7 ,report to congress ,the ,secretary shall submit a report to the ,committee on ,agriculture of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition1 and ,forestry of the ,senate that includes a finding1 based on the data provided under subparagraph 7,c7 whether or not implementation in all ,states is in the best interest of the supplemental nutrition assistance program4 4 #aac4 ,use of benefits for purchase of community-supported agriculture share ,section #aj of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjai7 is amended in the #ast sentence by inserting agricultural producers who market agricultural products directly to consumers shall be authorized to redeem benefits for the initial cost of the purchase of a community-supported agriculture share1 after food so purchased14 #aad4 ,restaurant meals program 7a7 ,in general ,section #aa7;e7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjbj7;e77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#bb7 by striking and at the end2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#bc77;,c7 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#bd7 if the ,state elects to carry out a program to contract with private establishments to offer meals at concessional prices1 as described in paragraphs 7#c71 7#d71 and 7#i7 of section #c7k7-- 7,a7 the plans of the ,state agency for operating the program1 including-- 7i7 documentation of a need that eligible homeless1 elderly1 and disabled clients are underserved in a particular geographic area2 7ii7 the manner by which the ,state agency will limit participation to only those private establishments that the ,state determines necessary to meet the need identified in clause 7i72 and 7iii7 any other conditions the ,secretary may prescribe1 such as the level of security necessary to ensure that only eligible recipients participate in the program2 and 7,b7 a report by the ,state agency to the ,secretary annually1 the schedule of which shall be established by the ,secretary1 that includes-- 7i7 the number of households and individual recipients authorized to participate in the program1 including any information on whether the individual recipient is elderly1 disabled1 or homeless2 and 7ii7 an assessment of whether the program is meeting an established need1 as documented under subparagraph 7,a77i74 4 7b7 ,approval of retail food stores and wholesale food concerns ,section #i of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjah7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7h7 ,private establishments 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to paragraph 7#b71 no private establishment that contracts with a ,state agency to offer meals at concessional prices as described in paragraphs 7#c71 7#d71 and 7#i7 of section #c7k7 may be authorized to accept and redeem benefits unless the ,secretary determines that the participation of the private establishment is required to meet a documented need in accordance with section #aa7;e77#bd74 7#b7 ,existing contracts 7,a7 ,in general ,if1 on the day before the effective date of this subsection1 a ,state has entered into a contract with a private establishment described in paragraph 7#a7 and the ,secretary has not determined that the participation of the private establishment is necessary to meet a documented need in accordance with section #aa7;e77#bd71 the ,secretary shall allow the operation of the private establishment to continue without that determination of need for a period not to exceed #ahj days from the date on which the ,secretary establishes determination criteria1 by regulation1 under section #aa7;e77#bd74 7,b7 ,justification ,if the ,secretary determines to terminate a contract with a private establishment that is in effect on the effective date of this subsection1 the ,secretary shall provide justification to the ,state in which the private establishment is located for that termination4 7#c7 ,report to ,congress ,not later than #ij days after ,september #cj1 #bjad1 and #ij days after the last day of each fiscal year thereafter1 the ,secretary shall report to the ,committee on ,agriculture of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition1 and ,forestry of the ,senate on the effectiveness of a program under this subsection using any information received from ,states under section #aa7;e77#bd7 as well as any other information the ,secretary may have relating to the manner in which benefits are used4 4 7c7 ,conforming amendments ,section #c7k7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjab7k77 is amended by inserting subject to section #i7;h7 after concessional prices each place it appears4 #aae4 ,mandating ,state immigration verification ,section #aa7p7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjbj7p77 is amended to read as follows3 7p7 ,state verification option ,in carrying out the supplemental nutrition assistance program1 a ,state agency shall be required to use an income and eligibility1 or an immigration status1 verification system established under section #aacg of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acbj;b-#g71 in accordance with standards set by the ,secretary4 4 #aaf4 ,data exchange standardization for improved interoperability 7a7 ,data exchange standardization ,section #aa of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjbj7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7v7 ,data exchange standards for improved interoperability 7#a7 ,designation ,the ,secretary shall1 in consultation with an interagency work group established by the ,office of ,management and ,budget1 and considering ,state government perspectives1 designate data exchange standards to govern1 under this part-- 7,a7 necessary categories of information that ,state agencies operating such programs are required under applicable law to electronically exchange with another ,state agency2 and 7,b7 ,federal reporting and data exchange required under applicable law4 7#b7 ,requirements ,the data exchange standards required by paragraph 7#a7 shall1 to the extent practicable-- 7,a7 incorporate a widely accepted1 non-proprietary1 searchable1 computer-readable format1 such as the e,xtensible ,markup ,language2 7,b7 contain interoperable standards developed and maintained by intergovernmental partnerships1 such as the ,national ,information ,exchange ,model2 7,c7 incorporate interoperable standards developed and maintained by ,federal entities with authority over contracting and financial assistance2 7,d7 be consistent with and implement applicable accounting principles2 7,e7 be implemented in a manner that is cost-effective and improves program efficiency and effectiveness2 and 7,f7 be capable of being continually upgraded as necessary4 7#c7 ,rules of construction ,nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require a change to existing data exchange standards for ,federal reporting found to be effective and efficient4 4 7b7 ,effective ,date ,the ,secretary shall issue a proposed rule within #bd months after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 ,the rule shall identify federally required data exchanges1 include specification and timing of exchanges to be standardized1 and address the factors used in determining whether and when to standardize data exchanges4 ,it should also specify state implementation options and describe future milestones4 #aag4 ,pilot projects to improve ,federal-,state cooperation in identifying and reducing fraud in the supplemental nutrition assistance program ,section #ab of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjba7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7i7 ,pilot projects ,to improve ,federal-,state cooperation in identifying and reducing fraud in the supplemental nutrition assistance program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall carry out1 under such terms and conditions as determined by the ,secretary1 pilot projects to test innovative ,federal-,state partnerships to identify1 investigate1 and reduce retailer fraud in the supplemental nutrition assistance program1 including allowing ,states to operate retail ,food ,store investigation programs4 ,at least #a such pilot project shall be carried out in an urban area that is among the #aj largest urban areas in the ,united ,states 7based on population7 if the supplemental nutrition assistance program is separately administered in such area and if the administration of such program in such area complies with the other applicable requirements of such program4 7#b7 ,selection criteria ,pilot projects shall be selected based on criteria the ,secretary establishes1 which shall include-- 7,a7 enhancing existing efforts by the ,secretary to reduce retailer fraud2 7,b7 requiring participant ,states to maintain their overall level of effort at addressing recipient fraud1 as determined by the ,secretary1 prior to participation in the pilot project2 7,c7 collaborating with other law enforcement authorities as necessary to carry out an effective pilot project2 7,d7 commitment of the participant ,state agency to follow ,federal rules and procedures with respect to retailer investigations2 and 7,e7 the extent to which a ,state has committed resources to recipient fraud and the relative success of those efforts4 7#c7 ,evaluation 7,a7 ,the ,secretary shall evaluate the projects selected under this subsection to measure the impact of the pilot projects4 7,b7 ,such evaluation shall include-- 7i7 each pilot project's impact on increasing the ,secretary's capacity to address retailer fraud2 7ii7 the effectiveness of the pilot projects in identifying1 preventing and reducing retailer fraud2 and 7iii7 the cost effectiveness of such pilot projects4 7#d7 ,report to congress ,not later than ,september #cj1 #bjag1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,agriculture of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition and ,forestry of the ,senate1 a report that includes a description of the results of each pilot project1 including an evaluation of the impact of the project on retailer fraud and the costs associated with each pilot project4 7#e7 ,funding ,any costs incurred by the ,state to operate the pilot projects in excess of the amount expended under this ,act for retailer fraud in the respective ,state in the previous fiscal year shall not be eligible for ,federal reimbursement under this ,act4 4 #aah4 ,prohibiting government-sponsored recruitment activities 7a7 ,administrative cost-,sharing and quality control ,section #af7;a77#d7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjbe7;a77#d77 is amended by inserting after recruitment activities the following3 designed to persuade an individual to apply for program benefits or that promote the program via television1 radio1 or billboard advertisements4 7b7 ,limitation on use of funds authorized ,to be appropriated under ,act ,section #ah of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjbg7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7g7 ,ban on recruitment and promotion activities 7#a7 ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 no funds authorized to be appropriated under this ,act shall be used by the ,secretary for-- 7,a7 recruitment activities designed to persuade an individual to apply for supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits2 7,b7 television1 radio1 or billboard advertisements that are designed to promote supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits and enrollment2 or 7,c7 any agreements with foreign governments designed to promote supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits and enrollment4 7#b7 ,paragraph 7#a77;,b7 shall not apply to programmatic activities undertaken with respect to benefits made available in response to a natural disaster4 4 7c7 ,ban on recruitment activities by entities that receive funds ,section #ah of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjbg7 is amended by adding at the end the following 3 7h7 ,ban on recruitment by entities that receive funds ,the ,secretary shall issue regulations that forbid entities that receive funds under this ,act to compensate any person for conducting outreach activities relating to participation in1 or for recruiting individuals to apply to receive benefits under1 the supplemental nutrition assistance program if the amount of such compensation would be based on the number of individuals who apply to receive such benefits4 4 #aai4 ,repeal of bonus program ,section #af7;d7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjbe7;d77 is repealed4 #abj4 ,funding of employment and training programs ,section #af7;h77#a77;,a7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjbe7;h77#a77;,a77 is amended by striking #ij1jjj1jjj and all that follows through #gi1jjj1jjj1 and inserting #gi1jjj1jjj for each fiscal year4 #aba4 ,monitoring employment and training programs 7a7 ,reporting measures ,section #af7;h77#e7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjbe7;h77#e77 is amended to read3 7#e7 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall monitor the employment and training programs carried out by ,state agencies under section #f7;d77#d7 and assess their effectiveness in-- 7i7 preparing members of households participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program for employment1 including the acquisition of basic skills necessary for employment2 and 7ii7 increasing the numbers of household members who obtain and retain employment subsequent to their participation in such employment and training programs4 7,b7 ,reporting measures ,the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,labor1 shall develop reporting measures that identify improvements in the skills1 training education or work experience of members of households participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program4 ,measures shall be based on common measures of performance for federal workforce training programs1 so long as they reflect the challenges facing the types of members of households participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program who participate in a specific employment and training component4 ,the ,secretary shall require that each ,state employment and training plan submitted under section #aa7;e77#ai7 identify appropriate reporting measures for each of their proposed components that serve at least #ajj people4 ,such measures may include3 7i7 the percentage and number of program participants who received employment and training services and are in unsubsidized employment subsequent to the receipt of those services2 7ii7 the percentage and number of program participants who obtain a recognized postsecondary credential1 including a registered apprenticeship1 or a regular secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent1 while participating in or within #a year after receiving employment and training services2 7iii7 the percentage and number of program participants who are in an education or training program that is intended to lead to a recognized postsecondary credential1 including a registered apprenticeship or on-the-job training program1 a regular secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent1 or unsubsidized employment2 7iv7 subject to the terms and conditions set by the ,secretary1 measures developed by each ,state agency to assess the skills acquisition of employment and training program participants that reflect the goals of their specific employment and training program components1 which may include1 but are not limited to-- 7,i7 the percentage and number of program participants who are meeting program requirements in each component of the ,state's education and training program2 and 7,,ii7 the percentage and number of program participants who are gaining skills likely to lead to employment as measured through testing1 quantitative or qualitative assessment or other method2 and 7v7 other indicators as approved by the ,secretary4 7,c7 ,state report ,each ,state agency shall annually prepare and submit to the ,secretary a report on the ,state's employment and training program that includes the numbers of supplemental nutrition assistance program participants who have gained skills1 training1 work or experience that will increase their ability to obtain regular employment using measures identified in subparagraph 7,b74 7,d7 ,modifications to the state employment and training plan ,subject to the terms and conditions established by the ,secretary1 if the ,secretary determines that the state agency's performance with respect to employment and training outcomes is inadequate1 the ,secretary may require the ,state agency to make modifications to their employment and training plan to improve such outcomes4 7,e7 ,periodic evaluation 7i7 ,in general ,subject to terms and conditions established by the ,secretary1 not later than ,october #a1 #bjaf1 and not less frequently than once every #e years thereafter1 the ,secretary shall conduct a study to review existing practice and research to identify employment and training program components and practices that-- 7,i7 effectively assist members of households participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program in gaining skills1 training1 work1 or experience that will increase their ability to obtain regular employment1 and 7,,ii7 are best integrated with statewide workforce development systems4 7ii7 ,report to congress ,the ,secretary shall submit a report that describes the results of the study under clause 7i7 to the ,committee on ,agriculture in the ,house of ,representatives1 and the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition and ,forestry in the ,senate4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,notwithstanding section #d7;c7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjac7;a771 the ,secretary shall issue interim final regulations implementing the amendment made by subsection 7a7 no later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this ,act4 ,states shall include such reporting measures in their employment and training plans for the #ast fiscal year thereafter that begins no sooner than #f months after the date that such regulations are published4 #abb4 ,cooperation with program research and evaluation ,section #ag of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjbf7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7l7 ,cooperation with program research and evaluation ,states1 ,state agencies1 local agencies1 institutions1 facilities such as data consortiums1 and contractors participating in programs authorized under this ,act shall cooperate with officials and contractors acting on behalf of the ,secretary in the conduct of evaluations and studies under this ,act and shall submit information at such time and in such manner as the ,secretary may require4 4 #abc4 ,pilot projects to reduce dependency and increase work effort in the supplemental nutrition assistance program ,section #ag of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjbf71 as amended by section #aba1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7m7 ,pilot projects ,to reduce dependency and increase work effort in the supplemental nutrition assistance program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall carry out1 under such terms and conditions as the ,secretary considers to be appropriate1 pilot projects to identify best practices for employment and training programs under this ,act to raise the number of work registrants who obtain unsubsidized employment1 increase their earned income1 and reduce their reliance on public assistance1 including but not limited to the supplemental nutrition assistance program4 7#b7 ,selection criteria ,pilot projects shall be selected based on criteria the ,secretary establishes1 that shall include-- 7,a7 enhancing existing employment and training programs in the ,state2 7,b7 agreeing to participate in the evaluation described in paragraph 7#c71 including making available data on participants' employment activities and post-participation employment1 earnings1 and public benefit receipt2 7,c7 collaborating with the ,state workforce board and other job training programs in the ,state and local area2 7,d7 the extent to which the pilot project's components can be easily replicated by other ,states or political subdivisions2 and 7,e7 such additional criteria that ensure that the pilot projects-- 7i7 target a variety of populations of work registrants1 including childless adults1 parents1 and individuals with low skills or limited work experience2 7ii7 are selected from a range of existing employment and training programs including programs that provide-- 7,i7 section #bj workfare2 7,,ii7 skills development for work registrants with limited employment history2 7,,iii7 post-employment support services necessary for maintaining employment2 and 7,,iv7 education leading to a recognized postsecondary credential1 registered apprenticeship1 or secondary school diploma or its equivalent2 7iii7 are located in a range of geographic areas1 including rural1 urban1 and ,indian reservations2 and 7iv7 include participants who are exempt and not exempt under section 7#f77;d77#b74 7#c7 ,evaluation ,the ,secretary shall provide for an independent evaluation of projects selected under this subsection to measure the impact of the pilot projects on the ability of each pilot project target population to find and retain employment that leads to increased household income and reduced dependency1 compared to what would have occurred in the absence of the pilot project4 7#d7 ,report to congress ,by ,september #cj1 #bjag1 the ,secretary shall submit1 to the ,committee on ,agriculture of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition1 and ,forestry of the ,senate1 a report that includes a description of-- 7,a7 the results of each pilot project1 including an evaluation of the impact of the project on the employment1 income1 and public benefit receipt of the targeted population of work registrants2 7,b7 the ,federal1 ,state1 and other costs of each pilot project2 7,c7 the planned dissemination of the reports' findings with ,state agencies2 and 7,d7 the steps and funding necessary to incorporate components of pilot projects that demonstrate increased employment and earnings into ,state employment and training programs4 7#e7 ,funding ,from amounts made available under section #ah7;a77#a71 the ,secretary shall make #aj1jjj1jjj available for each of the fiscal years #bjad1 #bjae1 and #bjaf to carry out this subsection4 ,such amounts shall remain available until expended4 7#f7 ,use of funds 7,a7 ,funds provided under this subsection for pilot projects shall be used only for-- 7i7 pilot projects that comply with the provisions of this ,act2 7ii7 the costs and administration of the pilot projects2 7iii7 the costs incurred in providing information and data to the independent evaluation under paragraph 7#c72 and 7iv7 the costs of the evaluation under paragraph 7#c74 7,b7 ,funds made available under this subsection may not be used to supplant non-,federal funds used for existing employment and training activities4 4 #abd4 ,authorization of appropriations ,section #ah7;a77#a7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjbg7;a77#a77 is amended in the #ast sentence by striking #bjab and inserting #bjaf4 #abe4 ,limitation on use of block grant to ,puerto ,rico ,section #ai7;a77#b77;,b7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjbh7;a77#b77;,b77 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7iii7 ,limitation on use of funds ,none of the funds made available to the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico under this subparagraph may be used to provide nutrition assistance in the form of cash benefits4 4 #abf4 ,assistance for community food projects 7a7 ,definition ,section #be7;a77#a77;,b77i7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcd7;a77#a77;,b77i77 is amended-- 7#a7 in subclause 7,,ii7 by striking and at the end2 7#b7 in subclause 7,,iii7 by striking or at the end and inserting and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7,,iv7 to provide incentives for the consumption of fruits and vegetables among low-income individuals2 or 4 7b7 ,additional funding ,section #be7;b7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcd7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 ,funding 7,a7 ,in general ,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 not less than #aj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjad and each fiscal year thereafter4 ,of the amount made available under this subparagraph for each such fiscal year1 #e1jjj1jjj shall be available to carry out subsection 7a77#a77;,b77,i77,,iv74 7,b7 ,receipt and acceptance ,the ,secretary shall be entitled to receive1 shall accept1 and shall use to carry out this section1 the funds transferred under subparagraph 7,a7 without further appropriation4 7,c7 ,maintenance of funding ,the funding provided under subparagraph 7,a7 shall supplement 7and not supplant7 other ,federal funding made available to the ,secretary to carry out this section4 4 #abg4 ,emergency food assistance 7a7 ,purchase of commodities ,section #bg7;a7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcf7;a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a7 by striking #bjjh through #bjab and inserting #bjac through #bjaf2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#b7 by striking subparagraphs 7,a71 7,b71 and 7,c71 and inserting the following3 7,a7 for fiscal year #bjac1 #bfe1gej1jjj2 7,b7 for fiscal year #bjad1 the dollar amount of commodities specified in subparagraph 7,a7 adjusted by the percentage by which the thrifty food plan has been adjusted under section #c7u77#d7 between ,june #cj1 #bjab and ,june #cj1 #bjac1 and increased by #gj1jjj1jjj2 7,c7 for fiscal year #bjae1 the dollar amount of commodities determined for fiscal year #bjad under subparagraph 7,b7 adjusted by the percentage by which the thrifty food plan has been adjusted under section #c7u77#d7 between ,june #cj1 #bjac and ,june #cj1 #bjad2 7,d7 for fiscal year #bjaf1 the dollar amount of commodities determined for fiscal year #bjae under subparagraph 7,c7 adjusted by the percentage by which the thrifty food plan has been adjusted under section #c7u77#d7 between ,june #cj1 #bjad and ,june #cj1 #bjae1 and reduced by #ej1jjj1jjj2 and 7,e7 for each subsequent fiscal year1 the dollar amount of commodities determined for the preceding fiscal year adjusted to reflect the percentage by which the thrifty food plan has been adjusted under section #c7u77#d7 for the #ab-month period ending on the preceding ,june #cj4 2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 ,funds availability ,for purposes of the funds described in this subsection1 the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 make the funds available for #b fiscal years2 and 7,b7 allow ,states to carry over unexpended balances to the next fiscal year pursuant to such terms and conditions as are determined by the ,secretary4 4 7b7 ,emergency food program infrastructure grants ,section #bji7;d7 of the ,emergency ,food ,assistance ,act of #aihc 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #geaa;a7d77 is amended by striking #bjab and inserting #bjaf4 #abh4 ,nutrition education ,section #bh of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcf;a7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b7 by inserting and physical activity after healthy food choices2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7d77#a7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,d7 by striking #dja1jjj1jjj2 and inserting #cgb1jjj1jjj2 and2 7,b7 by striking subparagraph 7,e72 and 7,c7 in subparagraph 7,f7 by striking 7,f7 for fiscal year #bjaf and inserting 7,e7 for fiscal year #bjae4 #abi4 ,retailer trafficking ,the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaa et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #bi4 ,retailer trafficking 7a7 ,purpose ,the purpose of this section is to provide the ,department of ,agriculture with additional resources to prevent trafficking in violation of this ,act by strengthening recipient and retailer program integrity4 ,additional funds are provided to supplement the ,department's payment accuracy1 and retailer and recipient integrity activities4 7b7 ,funding 7#a7 ,in general ,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 not less than #e1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjad and each fiscal year thereafter4 7#b7 ,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#a7 without further appropriation4 7#c7 ,maintenance of funding ,the funding provided under paragraph 7#a7 shall supplement 7and not supplant7 other ,federal funding for programs carried out under this ,act4 4 #acj4 ,technical and conforming amendments 7a7 ,section #c of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjab7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7g7 by striking coupon1 the last place it appears and inserting coupon2 7#b7 in subsection 7k77#g7 by striking or are and inserting and2 7#c7 by striking subsection 7l72 7#d7 by redesignating subsections 7m7 through 7t7 as subsections 7l7 through 7s71 respectively2 and 7#e7 by inserting after subsection 7s7 7as so redesignated7 the following3 7t7 ,supplemental nutritional assistance program means the program operated pursuant to this ,act4 4 7b7 ,section #d7;a7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjac7;a77 is amended by striking benefits the last place it appears and inserting ,benefits4 7c7 ,section #e of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjad7 is amended-- 7#a7 in the last sentence of subsection 7i77#b77;,d7 by striking section #ac7;b77#b7 and inserting section #ac7;b72 and 7#b7 in subsection 7k77#d77;,a7 by striking paragraph 7#b77;,h7 and inserting paragraph 7#b77;,g74 7d7 ,section #f7;d77#d7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjae7;d77#d77 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,b77vii7 by moving the left margin #d ems to the left1 and 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,f77iii7 by moving the left margin #f ems to the left4 7e7 ,section #g7;h7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaf7;h77 is amended by redesignating the #b;d paragraph 7#ab7 as paragraph 7#ac74 7f7 ,section #ab of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjba7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b77#c77;,c7 by striking civil money penalties and inserting civil penalties2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7g77#a7 by striking 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #aghf7 and inserting 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aghf74 7g7 ,section #ae7;b77#a7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjbd7;b77#a77 is amended in the #ast sentence by striking an benefit both places it appears and inserting a benefit4 7h7 ,section #af7;a7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjbe7;a77 is amended in the proviso following paragraph 7#h7 by striking 1 as amended44 7i7 ,section #ah7;e7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjbg7;e77 is amended in the #ast sentence by striking sections #g7;f7 and inserting section #g7;f74 7j7 ,section #bb7;b77#aj77;,b77i7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjca7;b77#aj77;,b77i77 is amended in the last sentence by striking ,food benefits and inserting ,benefits4 7k7 ,section #bf7;f77#c77;,c7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjce7;f77#c77;,c77 is amended by striking subsection and inserting subsections4 7l7 ,section #bg7;a77#a7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcf7;a77#a77 is amended by striking 7,public ,law #ih-h2 #g ,u4,s4,c4 #fab;c note7 and inserting 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #geae74 7m7 ,section #eji of the ,older ,americans ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjef;g7 is amended in the section heading by striking food stamp programs and inserting supplemental nutrition assistance program4 7n7 ,section #daae7;c77#b77;,h7 of the ,food1 ,conservation1 and ,energy ,act of #bjjh 7,public ,law #aaj-bdf2 #abb ,stat4 #ahga7 is amended by striking #eca and inserting #ded4 7o7 ,section #chjc7;c77#b77;,c77vii7 of title #ca of the ,united ,states ,code is amended by striking section #c7l7 and inserting section #c7s74 7p7 ,section #aae of the ,personal ,responsibility and ,work ,opportunity ,reconciliation ,act of #aiif 7,public ,law #ajd-aic7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a77#b7 by striking section #c7l7 and inserting section #c7s72 7#b7 in subsection 7b77#b7 by striking section #c7l7 and inserting section #c7s72 and 7#c7 in subsection 7e77#b7 by striking section #c7l7 and inserting section #c7s74 7q7 ,the ,agriculture and ,consumer ,protection ,act of #aigc 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #fab;c7 is amended-- 7#a7 in section #d7;a7 by striking ,food ,stamp ,act of #aigg and inserting ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh2 and 7#b7 in section #e-- 7,a7 in subsection 7i77#a7 by striking ,food ,stamp ,act of #aigg and inserting ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh2 and 7,b7 in subsection 7l77#b77;,b7 by striking ,food ,stamp ,act of #aigg and inserting ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh4 7r7 ,the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cja et seq47 is amended-- 7#a7 in the heading of section #dec7;j77#aj7 by striking food stamp and inserting supplemental nutrition assistance2 7#b7 in section #aacg-- 7,a7 in subsection 7a77#e77;,b7 by striking food stamp and inserting supplemental nutrition assistance2 and 7,b7 in subsection 7b77#d7 by striking food stamp program under the ,food ,stamp ,act of #aigg and inserting supplemental nutrition assistance program under the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh2 and 7#c7 in the heading of section #afca7n7 by striking food stamp and inserting supplemental nutrition assistance4 #aca4 ,tolerance level for excluding small errors ,the ,secretary shall set the tolerance level for excluding small errors for the purposes of section #af7;c7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjbe7;c77-- 7#a7 for fiscal year #bjad at an amount no greater than #be2 and 7#b7 for each fiscal year thereafter1 the amount specified in paragraph 7#a7 adjusted by the percentage by which the thrifty food plan is adjusted under section #c7u77#d7 of such ,act between ,june #cj1 #bjab1 and ,june #cj of the immediately preceding fiscal year4 #acb4 ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands pilot program 7a7 ,study 7#a7 ,in general ,prior to establishing the pilot program under subsection 7b71 the ,secretary shall conduct a study to be completed not later than #b years after the effective date of this section to assess-- 7,a7 the capabilities of the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands to operate the supplemental nutrition assistance program in the same manner in which the program is operated in the ,states 7as defined in section #c of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaa et seq4772 and 7,b7 alternative models of the supplemental nutrition assistance program operation and benefit delivery that best meet the nutrition assistance needs of the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7#b7 ,scope ,the study conducted under paragraph 7#a77;,a7 will assess the capability of the ,commonwealth to fulfill the responsibilities of a ,state agency1 including-- 7,a7 extending and limiting participation to eligible households1 as prescribed by sections #e and #f of the ,act2 7,b7 issuing benefits through ,,ebt cards1 as prescribed by section #g of the ,act2 7,c7 maintaining the integrity of the program1 including operation of a quality control system1 as prescribed by section #af7;c7 of the ,act2 7,d7 implementing work requirements1 including operating an employment and training program1 as prescribed by section #f7;d7 of the ,act2 and 7,e7 paying a share of administrative costs with non-,federal funds1 as prescribed by section #af7;a7 of the ,act4 7b7 ,establishment ,if the ,secretary determines that a pilot program is feasible1 the ,secretary shall establish a pilot program for the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands to operate the supplemental nutrition assistance program in the same manner in which the program is operated in the ,states4 7c7 ,scope ,the ,secretary shall utilize the information obtained from the study conducted under subsection 7a7 to establish the scope of the pilot program established under subsection 7b74 7d7 ,report ,not later than ,june #cj1 #bjai1 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 on the pilot program carried out under this section1 including an analysis of the feasibility of operating in the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands the supplemental nutrition assistance program as it is operated in the ,states4 7e7 ,funding 7#a7 ,study ,of the funds made available under section #ah7;a77#a7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh1 the ,secretary may use not more than #a1jjj1jjj in each of fiscal years #bjad and #bjae to conduct the study described in subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,pilot program ,of the funds made available under section #ah7;a77#a7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh1 for the purposes of establishing and carrying out the pilot program established under subsection 7b7 of this section1 including the ,federal costs for providing technical assistance to the ,commonwealth1 authorizing and monitoring retail food stores1 and assessing pilot operations1 the ,secretary may use not more than-- 7,a7 #ac1ejj1jjj in fiscal year #bjaf2 and 7,b7 #h1ejj1jjj in each of fiscal years #bjag and #bjah4 #acc4 ,annual ,state report on verification of ,,snap participation 7a7 ,annual report ,not later #a year after the date specified by the ,secretary in the #ahj-period beginning on the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and annually thereafter1 each ,state agency that carries out the supplemental nutrition assistance program shall submit to the ,secretary a report containing sufficient information for the ,secretary to determine whether the ,state agency has1 for the then most recently concluded fiscal year preceding such annual date1 verified that households to which such ,state agency provided such assistance in such fiscal year-- 7#a7 did not obtain benefits attributable to a deceased individual2 7#b7 did not include an individual who was simultaneously included in a household receiving such assistance in another ,state2 and 7#c7 did not include1 during the time benefits were provided1 an individual who was then disqualified from receiving benefits4 7b7 ,penalty for noncompliance ,for any fiscal year for which a ,state agency fails to comply with subsection 7a71 the ,secretary shall reduce by #ej percent the amount otherwise payable to such ,state agency under section #af7;a7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh with respect to such fiscal year4 #acd4 ,termination of existing agreement ,effective on the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the memorandum of understanding entered into on ,july #bb1 #bjjd1 by the ,secretary of ,agriculture of the ,united ,states ,department of ,agriculture and the ,secretary of ,foreign ,affairs of the ,republic of ,mexico and known as the ,partnership for ,nutrition ,assistance ,initiative is null and void4 #ace4 ,service of traditional foods in public facilities 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,food service program ,the term food service program includes-- 7,a7 food service at a residential child care facility with a license from an appropriate ,state agency2 7,b7 a child nutrition program 7as defined in section #be7;b7 of the ,richard ,b4 ,russell ,national ,school ,lunch ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #agfi;f7b772 7,c7 food service at a hospital or clinic or long term care facility2 and 7,d7 a senior meal program4 7#b7 ,indian2 ,indian tribe2 ,indian tribal organization ,the terms ,indian2 ,indian tribe2 and ,indian ,tribal ,organization have the meanings given those terms in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #dej;b74 7#c7 ,traditional food 7,a7 ,in general ,the term traditional food means food that has traditionally been prepared and consumed by an ,indian tribe4 7,b7 ,inclusions ,the term traditional food includes-- 7i7 wild game meat2 7ii7 fish2 7iii7 seafood2 7iv7 marine mammals2 7v7 plants2 and 7vi7 berries4 7b7 ,program ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 the ,secretary shall allow the donation to and serving of traditional food through a food service program at a public facility1 nonprofit facility1 including facilities operated by an ,indian tribe or tribal organization that primarily serves ,indians if the operator of the food service program-- 7#a7 ensures that the food is received whole1 gutted1 gilled1 as quarters1 or as a roast1 without further processing2 7#b7 makes a reasonable determination that-- 7,a7 the animal was not diseased2 7,b7 the food was butchered1 dressed1 transported1 and stored to prevent contamination1 undesirable microbial growth1 or deterioration2 and 7,c7 the food will not cause a significant health hazard or potential for human illness2 7#c7 carries out any further preparation or processing of the food at a different time or in a different space from the preparation or processing of other food for the applicable program to prevent cross-contamination2 7#d7 cleans and sanitizes food-contact surfaces of equipment and utensils after processing the traditional food2 and 7#e7 labels donated traditional food with the name of the food and stores the traditional food separately from other food for the applicable program1 including through storage in a separate freezer or refrigerator or in a separate compartment or shelf in the freezer or refrigerator4 7c7 ,liability ,liability for damages from donated traditional food and products to the participating food service program shall not be subject to civil or criminal liability arising from the nature1 age1 packaging1 or condition of donated food4 #acf4 ,testing applicants for unlawful use of controlled substances ,section #f of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjae71 as amended by section #aji1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7s7 ,testing applicants for unlawful use of controlled substances 7#a7 ,nothing in this ,act1 or in any other ,federal law1 shall be considered to prevent a ,state1 at the full cost to such ,state1 from-- 7,a7 enacting legislation to provide for testing any individual who is a member of a household applying for supplemental nutrition assistance benefits1 for the unlawful use of controlled substances as a condition for receiving such benefits2 and 7,b7 finding an individual ineligible to participate in the supplemental nutrition assistance program on the basis of the positive result of the testing conducted by the ,state under such legislation4 7#b7 ,for purposes of this subsection1 term controlled substance has the meaning given such term in section #ajb of the ,controlled ,substances ,act 77#ba ,u4,s4,c4 #hjb74 4 #acg4 ,eligibility disqualifications for certain convicted felons 7a7 ,amendment ,section #f of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjae71 as amended by sections #aji and #ace1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7t7 ,disqualification for certain convicted felons 7#a7 ,in general ,an individual shall not be eligible for benefits under this ,act if the individual is convicted of-- 7,a7 aggravated sexual abuse under section #bbda of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code2 7,b7 murder under section #aaaa of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code2 7,c7 an offense under chapter #aaj of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code2 7,d7 a ,federal or ,state offense involving sexual assault1 as defined in #djjjb7;a7 of the ,violence ,against ,women ,act of #aiid 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acibe7;a772 or 7,e7 an offense under ,state law determined by the ,attorney ,general to be substantially similar to an offense described in subparagraph 7,a71 7,b71 or 7,c74 7#b7 ,effects on assistance and benefits for others ,the amount of benefits otherwise required to be provided to an eligible household under this ,act shall be determined by considering the individual to whom paragraph 7#a7 applies not to be a member of such household1 except that the income and resources of the individual shall be considered to be income and resources of the household4 7#c7 ,enforcement ,each ,state shall require each individual applying for benefits under this ,act1 during the application process1 to state1 in writing1 whether the individual1 or any member of the household of the individual1 has been convicted of a crime described in paragraph 7#a74 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #e7;a7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjad7;a771 as amended by section #aji1 is amended in the #b;d sentence by striking and 7r7 and inserting 1 7r71 and 7t74 7c7 ,inapplicability to convictions occurring on or before enactment ,the amendments made by this section shall not apply to a conviction if the conviction is for conduct occurring on or before the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #ach4 ,expungement of unused supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits ,section #aa of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjbj71 as amended by section #aae1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7w7 ,expungement of unused benefits ,the ,state agency shall expunge from the ,,ebt account of a household benefits that are not used before the expiration of the #fj-;day period beginning on the date such benefits are posted to such account4 4 #aci4 ,pilot projects to promote work and increase ,state accountability in the supplemental nutrition assistance program 7a7 ,pilot projects ,section #ag of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjbf71 as amended by sections #abb and #abc1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7n7 ,pilot projects ,to promote work and increase ,state accountability in the supplemental nutrition assistance program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall carry out pilot projects to develop and test methods allowing ,states to run a work program with certain features comparable to the ,state program funded under part ,a of title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fja et seq471 with the intent of increasing employment and self-sufficiency through increased ,state accountability and thereby reducing the need for supplemental nutrition assistance benefits4 7#b7 ,agreements 7,a7 ,in general ,in carrying out this subsection1 the ,secretary shall enter into cooperative agreements with ,states in accordance with pilot projects that meet the criteria required under this subsection4 7,b7 ,application ,to be eligible to enter into a cooperative agreement to operate a pilot project under this subsection1 a ,state shall amend its ,state plan under section #aa7;d7 to include a description of its pilot project and explanations of how such project meets the criteria required under this subsection4 ,the ,secretary may not disapprove a pilot project which meets the requirements under this subsection4 7,c7 ,assurances ,a ,state shall include in its plan assurances that its pilot project will-- 7i7 operate for at least three #ab-month periods but not more than five #ab-month periods2 7ii7 have a robust data collection system for program administration that is designed and shared with project evaluators to ensure proper and timely evaluation2 and 7iii7 intend to offer a work activity described in paragraph 7#c7 to adults assigned and required to participate under paragraph 7#d77;,a7 and who are not exempt under paragraph 7#d77;,b74 7,d7 ,number of pilot projects ,any ,state may carry out a pilot project that meets the requirements of this subsection4 7,e7 ,extent of pilot projects ,pilot projects shall cover no less than the entire ,state4 7#c7 ,work activity 7,a7 ,for purposes of this subsection1 the term work activity means any of the following3 7i7 ,employment in the public or private sector that is not subsidized by any public program4 7ii7 ,employment in the private sector for which the employer receives a subsidy from public funds to offset some or all of the wages and costs of employing an adult4 7iii7 ,employment in the public sector for which the employer receives a subsidy from public funds to offset some or all of the wages and costs of employing an adult4 7iv7 ,a work activity that-- 7,i7 is performed in return for public benefits2 7,,ii7 provides an adult with an opportunity to acquire the general skills1 knowledge1 and work habits necessary to obtain employment2 7,,iii7 is designed to improve the employability of those who cannot find unsubsidized employment2 and 7,,iv7 is supervised by an employer1 work site sponsor1 or other responsible party on an ongoing basis4 7v7 ,training in the public or private sector that is given to a paid employee while he or she is engaged in productive work and that provides knowledge and skills essential to the full and adequate performance of the job4 7vi7 ,job search1 obtaining employment1 or preparation to seek or obtain employment1 including-- 7,i7 life skills training2 7,,ii7 substance abuse treatment or mental health treatment1 determined to be necessary and documented by a qualified medical1 substance abuse1 or mental health professional2 or 7,,iii7 rehabilitation activities1 supervised by a public agency or other responsible party on an ongoing basis4 7vii7 ,structured programs and embedded activities-- 7,i7 in which adults perform work for the direct benefit of the community under the auspices of public or nonprofit organizations2 7,,ii7 that are limited to projects that serve useful community purposes in fields such as health1 social service1 environmental protection1 education1 urban and rural redevelopment1 welfare1 recreation1 public facilities1 public safety1 and child care2 7,,iii7 that are designed to improve the employability of adults not otherwise able to obtain unsubsidized employment2 and 7,,iv7 that are supervised on an ongoing basis2 and 7,v7 with respect to which a ,state agency takes into account1 to the extent possible1 the prior training1 experience1 and skills of a recipient in making appropriate community service assignments4 7viii7 ,career and technical training programs 7not to exceed #ab months with respect to any adult7 that are directly related to the preparation of adults for employment in current or emerging occupations and that are supervised on an ongoing basis4 7ix7 ,training or education for job skills that are required by an employer to provide an adult with the ability to obtain employment or to advance or adapt to the changing demands of the workplace and that are supervised on an ongoing basis4 7x7 ,education that is related to a specific occupation1 job1 or job offer and that is supervised on an ongoing basis4 7xi7 ,in the case of an adult who has not completed secondary school or received such a certificate of general equivalence1 regular attendance-- 7,i7 in accordance with the requirements of the secondary school or course of study1 at a secondary school or in a course of study leading to such certificate2 and 7,,ii7 supervised on an ongoing basis4 7xii7 ,providing child care to enable another recipient of public benefits to participate in a community service program that-- 7,i7 does not provide compensation for such community service2 7,,ii7 is a structured program designed to improve the employability of adults who participate in such program2 and 7,,iii7 is supervised on an ongoing basis4 7,b7 ,protections ,work activities under this subsection shall be subject to all applicable health and safety standards4 ,except as described in clauses 7i71 7ii71 and 7iii7 of subparagraph 7,a71 the term work activity shall be considered work preparation and not defined as employment for purposes of other law4 7#d7 ,pilot projects ,pilot projects carried out under this subsection shall include interventions to which adults are assigned that are designed to reduce unnecessary dependence1 promote self-sufficiency1 increase work levels1 increase earned income1 and reduce supplemental nutrition assistance benefit expenditures among households eligible for1 applying for1 or participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program4 7,a7 ,adults assigned to interventions by the ,state shall-- 7i7 be subject to mandatory participation in work activities specified in paragraph 7#c72 7ii7 participate in work activities specified in paragraph 7#c7 for a minimum of #bj hours per week per household2 7iii7 be a maximum age of not less than #ej and not more than #fj1 as defined by the ,state2 7iv7 be subject to penalties during a period of nonparticipation without good cause ranging from1 at ,state option1 a minimum of the removal of the adults from the household benefit amount1 up to a maximum of the discontinuance of the entire household benefit amount2 and 7v7 not be penalized for nonparticipation if child care is not available for #a or more children under #f years of age4 7,b7 ,the ,state shall allow certain individuals to be exempt from work requirements-- 7i7 those participating in work programs under a ,state program funded under part ,a of title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fja et seq47 for an equal or greater number of hours2 7ii7 those with #a or more dependent children under #a year of age2 7iii7 #a adult family member per household who is needed in the home to care for a disabled family member2 7iv7 an adult who is receiving temporary or permanent disability benefits provided by a governmental entity2 and 7v7 those with a good cause reason for nonparticipation1 such as victims of domestic violence1 as defined by the ,state4 7#e7 ,evaluation and reporting 7,a7 ,evaluation 7i7 ,independent evaluation 7,i7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall provide for each ,state that enters into a cooperative agreement under paragraph 7#b7 an independent1 longitudinal evaluation of its pilot project under this subsection to determine total program savings over the entire course of the pilot project with results reported in consecutive #ab-month increments4 7,,ii7 ,purpose ,the purpose of the evaluation is to measure the impact of interventions provided by the ,state under the pilot project on the ability of adults in households eligible for1 applying for1 or participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program to find and retain employment that leads to increased household income and reduced dependency4 7,,iii7 ,requirement ,the independent evaluation under subclause 7,i7 shall use valid statistical methods which can determine the difference between supplemental nutrition assistance benefit expenditures1 if any1 as a result of the interventions as compared to a control group that-- 7aa7 is not subject to the interventions provided by the ,state under the pilot project under this subsection2 and 7bb7 maintains services provided under #af7;h7 in the year prior to the start of the pilot project under this subsection4 7,,iv7 ,option ,states shall have the option to evaluate pilot projects by matched counties or matched geographical areas using a constructed control group design to isolate the effects of the intervention of the pilot project4 7,v7 ,definition ,constructed control group means there is no random assignment1 and instead program participants 7those subject to interventions7 and non-participants 7control described in subclause 7,,iii77 are equated using matching or statistical procedures on characteristics that may be associated with program outcomes4 7,b7 ,reporting ,not later than #ij days after the end of fiscal year #bjad and of each fiscal year thereafter1 until the completion of the last evaluation under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,agriculture of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition1 and ,forestry of the ,senate1 a report that includes a description of-- 7i7 the status of each pilot project carried out under this subsection2 7ii7 the results of the evaluation completed during the previous fiscal year2 and 7iii7 to the maximum extent practicable-- 7,i7 baseline information relevant to the stated goals and desired outcomes of the pilot project2 7,,ii7 the impact of the interventions on appropriate employment1 income1 and public benefit receipt outcomes among households participating in the pilot project2 7,,iii7 equivalent information about similar or identical measures for control groups2 7,,iv7 the planned dissemination of the report findings to ,state agencies2 and 7,v7 the steps and funding necessary to incorporate into ,state employment and training programs the components of pilot projects that demonstrate increased employment and earnings4 7,c7 ,public dissemination ,in addition to the reporting requirements under subparagraph 7,b71 evaluation results shall be shared broadly to inform policy makers1 service providers1 other partners1 and the public in order to promote wide use of successful strategies1 including by posting evaluation results on the ,internet website of the ,department of ,agriculture4 7#f7 ,funding 7,a7 ,additional available funds ,from amounts made available under section #ah7;a77#a71 the ,secretary shall make available-- 7i7 up to #a1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjad through #bjag for evaluations described in paragraph 7#e7 to carry out this subsection1 with such amounts to remain available until expended2 and 7ii7 amounts equal to one-half of the accumulated supplemental nutrition assistance benefit dollars saved over each consecutive #ab-month period according to the evaluation under paragraph 7#e7 for bonus grants to ,states under paragraph 7#g77;,b74 7,b7 ,administrative expenses 7i7 ,reimbursement ,except as provided in clause 7ii7-- 7,i7 if1 in carrying out a pilot project under this subsection during a fiscal year1 a ,state incurs costs that exceed the amount allocated to the ,state agency under section #af7;h77#a71 the ,secretary shall pay such ,state an amount equal to #ej percent of such costs2 and 7,,ii7 the ,secretary shall also reimburse the ,state in an amount equal to #ej percent of the total amount of payments made or costs incurred by the ,state agency in connection with transportation costs and other expenses reasonably necessary and directly related to participation in a pilot project under this subsection1 except that the amount of the reimbursement for dependent care expenses shall not exceed an amount equal to the payment made under section #f7;d77#d77;,i77i77,,ii7 but not more than the applicable local market rate1 and such reimbursement shall not be made out of funds allocated under section #af7;h77#a74 7ii7 ,limitation ,for any fiscal year1 the ,secretary may not pay under clause 7i7 to a ,state an amount the exceeds the amount equal to the product of-- 7,i7 the amount of administrative expenses that would be reimbursable for such fiscal year to such ,state under clause 7i7 without regard to this clause2 and 7,,ii7 #bgg1jjj1jjj 7plus the amount carried over1 if any1 under clause 7iii771 divided by the aggregate amount of administrative expenses that would be reimbursable for such fiscal year to all of the ,states under clause 7i7 without regard to this clause4 7iii7 ,carryover ,the amount by which #bgg1jjj1jjj exceeds the aggregate amount paid under clause 7i7 for a particular fiscal year shall remain available for payments under such clause for any subsequent fiscal year4 7,c7 ,other funds ,any additional funds required by a ,state to carry out a pilot project under this subsection may be provided by the ,state from funds made available to the ,state for such purpose and in accordance with ,state and other ,federal laws1 including the following3 7i7 ,section #djc of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fjc74 7ii7 ,the ,workforce ,investment ,act of #aiih 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #ibja et seq474 7iii7 ,the ,child ,care and ,development ,block ,grant ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #iheh et seq47 and section #dah of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fah74 7iv7 ,the social services block grant under subtitle ,a of title ,,xx of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acig et seq474 7#g7 ,use of funds 7,a7 ,specific uses ,funds provided under this subsection for evaluation of pilot projects under paragraph 7#f77;,a77i7 shall be used only for-- 7i7 pilot projects that comply with this subsection2 7ii7 the costs incurred in gathering and providing information and data used to conduct the independent evaluation under paragraph 7#e72 and 7iii7 the costs of the evaluation under paragraph 7#e74 7,b7 ,limitation ,funds provided for bonus grants to ,states for pilot projects under subparagraph 7#f77;,a77ii7 shall be used only for-- 7i7 pilot projects that comply with this subsection2 and 7ii7 any ,state purpose1 not to be restricted to the supplemental nutrition assistance program or its beneficiary population4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendments ,the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaa et seq47 is amended-- 7#a7 in section #af1 as amended by section #aba of this ,act-- 7,a7 in subsection 7a7 by striking subsection 7k7 and inserting subsections 7k7 and 7h7 and section #bj2 and 7,b7 in subsection 7h7-- 7i7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7,i7 in subparagraph 7,a7 by inserting under sections #f7;d77#d7 and #ag7n7 after programs2 and 7,,ii7 by striking subparagraph 7,e72 7ii7 by striking paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c71 and inserting the following3 7#b7 ,exclusion of reimbursement for administrative costs ,no funds may be paid under subsection 7a7 to a ,state agency for administrative costs incurred to carry out any of such programs in such fiscal year4 2 7iii7 in paragraph 7#d7 by inserting or #ag7n7 after section #f7;d77#d72 and 7iv7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#d7 and 7#e7 as paragraphs 7#c7 and 7#d71 respectively2 7#b7 in section #bj by amending subsection 7g7 to read as follows3 7g7 ,exclusion of reimbursement for administrative costs ,no funds may be paid under this section to a ,state agency for administrative costs incurred to carry out a workfare program operated under this section4 2 and 7#c7 in section #bb7;d77#a77;,b77ii7 by striking 1 7g71 7h77#b71 and 7h77#c7 and inserting and 7g74 #adj4 ,improved wage verification using the ,national ,directory of ,new ,hires ,effective ,october #a1 #bjac1 section #aa7;e7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjbj7;e77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#c7 by inserting and after compliance with the requirement specified in paragraph 7#bd7 after section #af7;e7 of this ,act1 7#b7 in paragraph 7#bb7 by striking and at the end1 7#c7 in paragraph 7#bc7 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and1 and 7#d7 by adding at the end the following3 7#bd7 that the ,state agency shall request wage data directly from the ,national ,directory of ,new ,hires established under section #dec7;i7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fec7;i77 relevant to determining eligibility to receive supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits and determining the correct amount of such benefits4 4 #ada4 ,feasibility study for ,indian tribes ,section #d of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjac7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7d7 ,feasibility study for ,indian tribes 7#a7 ,study ,subject to the availability of appropriations to carry out this subsection1 the ,secretary shall conduct a study to determine the feasibility of a tribal demonstration project for tribes to administer all ,federal food assistance programs1 services1 functions1 and activities 7or portions thereof7 of the agency4 7#b7 ,considerations ,in conducting the study1 the ,secretary shall consider-- 7,a7 the probable effects on specific programs and program beneficiaries of such a demonstration project2 7,b7 statutory1 regulatory1 or other impediments to implementation of such a demonstration project2 7,c7 strategies for implementing such a demonstration project2 7,d7 probable costs or savings associated with such a demonstration project2 7,e7 methods to assure quality and accountability in such a demonstration project2 and 7,f7 such other issues that may be determined by the ,secretary or developed through consultation with pursuant to paragraph 7#d74 7#c7 ,report ,not later than #ah months after the effective date of this subsection1 the ,secretary shall submit a report to the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition and ,forestry of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,agriculture of the ,house of ,representatives4 ,the report shall contain-- 7,a7 the results of the study under this subsection2 7,b7 a list of programs1 services1 functions1 and activities 7or portions thereof7 within each agency with respect to which it would be feasible to include in a tribal demonstration project2 7,c7 a list of programs1 services1 functions1 and activities 7or portions thereof7 included in the list provided pursuant to subparagraph 7,b7 that could be included in a tribal demonstration project without amending a statute1 or waiving regulations that the ,secretary may not waiver2 and 7,d7 a list of legislative actions required in order to include those programs1 services1 function1 and activities 7or portions thereof7 included in the list provided pursuant to subparagraph 7,b7 but not included in the list provided pursuant to subparagraph 7,c71 in a tribal demonstration project4 7#d7 ,consultation with ,indian tribes ,the ,secretary shall consult with ,indian tribes to determine a protocol for consultation under paragraph 7#a7 prior to consultation under such paragraph with the other entities described in such paragraph4 ,the protocol shall require1 at a minimum1 that-- 7,a7 the government-to-government relationship with ,indian tribes forms the basis for the consultation process2 7,b7 the ,indian tribes and the ,secretary jointly conduct the consultations required by this subsection2 and 7,c7 the consultation process allows for separate and direct recommendations from the ,indian tribes and other entities described in paragraph 7#a74 7#e7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection #a1jjj1jjj4 4 ,,ii ,commodity distribution programs #bja4 ,commodity distribution program ,section #d7;a7 of the ,agriculture and ,consumer ,protection ,act of #aigc 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #fab;c note2 ,public ,law #ic-hf7 is amended in the #ast sentence by striking #bjab and inserting #bjaf4 #bjb4 ,commodity supplemental food program ,section #e of the ,agriculture and ,consumer ,protection ,act of #aigc 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #fab;c note2 ,public ,law #ic-hf7 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b77;,b7 of subsection 7a7 by striking #bjab each place it appears and inserting #bjaf2 7#b7 in the #ast sentence of subsection 7d77#b7 by striking #bjab and inserting #bjaf2 7#c7 by striking subsection 7g7 and inserting the following3 7g7 ,eligibility ,except as provided in subsection 7m71 the ,states shall only provide assistance under the commodity supplemental food program to low-income individuals aged #fj and older4 2 and 7#d7 by adding at the end the following3 7m7 ,phase-,out ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 an individual who receives assistance under the commodity supplemental food program on the day before the effective date of this subsection shall continue to receive that assistance until the date on which the individual no longer qualifies for assistance under the eligibility criteria for the program in effect on the day before the effective date of this subsection4 4 #bjc4 ,distribution of surplus commodities to special nutrition projects ,section #aaad7;a77#b77;,a7 of the ,agriculture and ,food ,act of #aiha 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #adca;e7#b77;,a77 is amended in the #ast sentence by striking #bjab and inserting #bjaf4 #bjd4 ,processing of commodities 7a7 ,section #ag of the ,commodity ,distribution ,reform ,act and ,,wic ,amendments of #aihg 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #fab;c note7 is amended by-- 7#a7 striking the heading and inserting ,commodity donations and processing2 and 7#b7 adding at the end the following3 7c7 ,processing ,for any program included in subsection 7b71 the ,secretary may1 notwithstanding any other provision of ,state or ,federal law relating to the procurement of goods and services-- 7#a7 retain title to commodities delivered to a processor1 on behalf of a ,state 7including a ,state distributing agency and a recipient agency71 until such time as end products containing such commodities1 or similar commodities as approved by the ,secretary1 are delivered to a ,state distributing agency or to a recipient agency2 and 7#b7 promulgate regulations to ensure accountability for commodities provided to a processor for processing into end products1 and to facilitate processing of commodities into end products for use by recipient agencies4 ,such regulations may provide that-- 7,a7 a processor that receives commodities for processing into end products1 or provides a service with respect to such commodities or end products1 in accordance with its agreement with a ,state distributing agency or a recipient agency1 provide to the ,secretary a bond or other means of financial assurance to protect the value of such commodities2 and 7,b7 in the event a processor fails to deliver to a ,state distributing agency or a recipient agency an end product in conformance with the processing agreement entered into under this ,act1 the ,secretary take action with respect to the bond or other means of financial assurance pursuant to regulations promulgated under this paragraph and distribute any proceeds obtained by the ,secretary to one or more ,state distributing agencies and recipient agencies as determined appropriate by the ,secretary4 4 7b7 ,definitions ,section #ah of the ,commodity ,distribution ,reform ,act and ,,wic ,amendments of #aihg 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #fab;c note7 is amended by striking paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,the term commodities means agricultural commodities and their products that are donated by the ,secretary for use by recipient agencies4 7#b7 ,the term end product means a food product that contains processed commodities4 4 7c7 ,technical and conforming amendments ,section #c of the ,commodity ,distribution ,reform ,act and ,,wic ,amendments of #aihg 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #fab;c note2 ,public ,law #ajj-bcg7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#b7 by striking subparagraph 7,b7 and inserting the following3 7,b7 the program established under section #d7;b7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjac7;b772 2 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#c77;,d7 by striking the ,committee on ,education and ,labor and inserting the ,committee on ,education and the ,workforce2 7#b7 in subsection 7b77#a77;,a77ii7 by striking section #cb of the ,agricultural ,adjustment ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #fja et seq47 and inserting section #cb of the ,act of ,august #bd1 #aice 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #fab;c72 7#c7 in subsection 7e77#a77;,d77iii7 by striking subclause 7,,ii7 and inserting the following3 7,,ii7 the program established under section #d7;b7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjac7;b772 2 and 7#d7 in subsection 7k7 by striking the ,committee on ,education and ,labor and inserting the ,committee on ,education and the ,workforce4 ,,iii ,miscellaneous #cja4 ,farmers' market nutrition program ,section #ddjb of the ,farm ,security and ,rural ,investment ,act of #bjjb 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #cjjg7 is amended-- 7#a7 in the section heading by striking ,seniors2 7#b7 by amending subsection 7a7 to read as follows3 7a7 ,funding 7#a7 ,in general ,of the funds of the ,commodity ,credit ,corporation1 the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall use to carry out and expand the farmers market nutrition program #bj1fjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjad through #bjaf4 7#b7 ,additional funding ,there is authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this subsection for each of the fiscal years specified in paragraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,requirement ,not less than #ej percent of the funds made available to carry out this section in any fiscal year shall be used to provide assistance to seniors4 2 7#c7 in subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking seniors2 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#a7 by inserting 1 and low-income families who are determined to be at nutritional risk after low-income seniors2 7#d7 in subsection 7c7 by striking seniors2 7#e7 in subsection 7d7 by striking seniors2 7#f7 in subsection 7e7 by striking seniors2 7#g7 by redesignating subsections 7c71 7d71 7e71 and 7f7 as subsections 7d71 7e71 7f71 and 7g71 respectively2 and 7#h7 by inserting after subsection 7b7 the following3 7c7 ,state grants and other assistance ,the ,secretary shall carry out the ,program through grants and other assistance provided in accordance with agreements made with ,states1 for implementation through ,state agencies and local agencies1 that include provisions-- 7#a7 for the issuance of coupons or vouchers to participating individuals2 7#b7 establishing an appropriate annual percentage limitation on the use of funds for administrative costs2 and 7#c7 specifying other terms and conditions as the ,secretary deems appropriate to encourage expanding the participation of small scale farmers in ,federal nutrition programs4 4 #cjb4 ,nutrition information and awareness pilot program ,section #ddjc of the ,farm ,security and ,rural ,investment ,act of #bjjb 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #caga note2 ,public ,law #ajg-aga7 is repealed4 #cjc4 ,fresh fruit and vegetable program ,section #ai of the ,richard ,b4 ,russell ,national ,school ,lunch ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #agfi;a7 is amended-- 7#a7 in the section heading1 by striking ,fresh2 7#b7 in subsection 7a71 by striking fresh2 7#c7 in subsection 7b71 by striking fresh2 and 7#d7 in subsection 7e71 by striking fresh4 #cjd4 ,additional authority for purchase of fresh fruits1 vegetables1 and other specialty food crops ,section #ajfjc of the ,farm ,security and ,rural ,investment ,act of #bjjb 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #fab;c-#d7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b71 by striking #bjab and inserting #bjaf2 7#b7 by redesignating subsection 7c7 as subsection 7d72 and 7#c7 by inserting after subsection 7b7 the following3 7c7 ,pilot grant program for purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables 7#a7 ,in general ,using amounts made available to carry out subsection 7b71 the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall conduct a pilot program under which the ,secretary will give not more than five participating ,states the option of receiving a grant in an amount equal to the value of the commodities that the participating ,state would otherwise receive under this section for each of fiscal years #bjad through #bjaf4 7#b7 ,use of grant funds ,a participating ,state receiving a grant under this subsection may use the grant funds solely to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables for distribution to schools and service institutions in the ,state that participate in the food service programs under the ,richard ,b4 ,russell ,national ,school ,lunch ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #agea et seq47 and the ,child ,nutrition ,act of #aiff 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #agga et seq474 7#c7 ,selection of participating ,states ,the ,secretary shall select participating ,states from applications submitted by the ,states4 7#d7 ,reporting requirements 7,a7 ,school and service institution requirement ,schools and service institutions in a participating ,state shall keep records of purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables made using the grant funds and report such records to the ,state4 7,b7 ,state requirement ,each participating ,state shall submit to the ,secretary a report on the success of the pilot program in the ,state1 including information on-- 7i7 the amount and value of each type of fresh fruit and vegetable purchased by the ,state2 and 7ii7 the benefit provided by such purchases in conducting the school food service in the ,state1 including meeting school meal requirements4 4 #cje4 ,encouraging locally and regionally grown and raised food 7a7 ,commodity ,purchase ,streamlining ,the ,secretary may permit each school food authority with a low annual commodity entitlement value1 as determined by the ,secretary1 to elect to substitute locally and regionally grown and raised food for the authority's allotment1 in whole or in part1 of commodity assistance for the school meal programs under the ,richard ,b4 ,russell ,national ,school ,lunch ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #agea et seq47 and the ,child ,nutrition ,act of #aiff 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #agga et seq471 if-- 7#a7 the election is requested by the school food authority2 7#b7 the ,secretary determines that the election will reduce ,state and ,federal administrative costs2 and 7#c7 the election will provide the school food authority with greater flexibility to purchase locally and regionally grown and raised foods4 7b7 ,farm-to-,school demonstration programs 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may establish farm-to-school demonstration programs under which school food authorities1 agricultural producers producing for local and regional markets1 and other farm-to-school stakeholders will collaborate with the ,agriculture ,marketing ,service to1 on a cost neutral basis1 source food for the school meal programs under the ,richard ,b4 ,russell ,national ,school ,lunch ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #agea et seq47 and the ,child ,nutrition ,act of #aiff 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #agga et seq47 from local farmers and ranchers in lieu of the commodity assistance provided to the school food authorities for the school meal programs4 7#b7 ,requirements 7,a7 ,in general ,each demonstration program carried out under this subsection shall-- 7i7 facilitate and increase the purchase of unprocessed and minimally processed locally and regionally grown and raised agricultural products to be served under the school meal programs2 7ii7 test methods to improve procurement1 transportation1 and meal preparation processes for the school meal programs2 7iii7 assess whether administrative costs can be saved through increased school food authority flexibility to source locally and regionally produced foods for the school meal programs2 and 7iv7 undertake rigorous evaluation and share information about results of the demonstration program1 including cost savings1 with the ,secretary1 other school food authorities1 agricultural producers producing for the local and regional market1 and the general public4 7,b7 ,plans ,in order to be selected to carry out a demonstration program under this subsection1 a school food authority shall submit to the ,secretary a plan at such time and in such manner as the ,secretary may require1 and containing information with respect to the requirements described in clauses 7i7 through 7iv7 of subparagraph 7,a74 7#c7 ,technical assistance ,the ,secretary shall provide technical assistance to demonstration program participants to assist such participants to acquire bids from potential vendors in a timely and cost-effective manner4 7#d7 ,length ,the ,secretary shall determine the appropriate length of time for each demonstration program under this subsection4 7#e7 ,coordination ,the ,secretary shall coordinate among relevant agencies of the ,department of ,agriculture and non-governmental organizations with appropriate expertise to facilitate the provision of training and technical assistance necessary to successfully carry out demonstration programs under this subsection4 7#f7 ,number ,subject to the availability of funds to carry out this subsection1 the ,secretary shall select at least #aj demonstration programs to be carried out under this subsection4 7#g7 ,diversity and balance ,in selecting demonstration programs to be carried out under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 ensure-- 7,a7 geographical diversity2 7,b7 that at least half of the demonstration programs are completed in collaboration with school food authorities with small annual commodity entitlements1 as determined by the ,secretary2 7,c7 that at least half of the demonstration programs are completed in rural or tribal communities2 7,d7 equitable treatment of school food authorities with a high percentage of students eligible for free or reduced price lunches1 as determined by the ,secretary2 and 7,e7 that at least one of the demonstration programs is completed on a military installation as defined in section #bfhg7;e77#a7 of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code4 #cjf4 ,review of public health benefits of white potatoes ,the ,secretary shall conduct a review of the economic and public health benefits of white potatoes on low-income families who are determined to be at nutritional risk4 ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall report the findings of this review to the ,committee on ,agriculture of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition1 and ,forestry of the ,senate4 #cjg4 ,healthy ,food ,financing ,initiative 7a7 ,in general ,subtitle ,d of title ,,ii of the ,department of ,agriculture ,reorganization ,act of #aiid 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #fiea et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #bdb4 ,healthy ,food ,financing ,initiative 7a7 ,purpose ,the purpose of this section is to enhance the authorities of the ,secretary to support efforts to provide access to healthy food by establishing an initiative 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 eligible fresh1 healthy food retailers to overcome the higher costs and initial barriers to entry in underserved areas4 7b7 ,definitions ,in this section3 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 ,initiative ,the term ,initiative means the ,healthy ,food ,financing ,initiative established under subsection 7c77#a74 7#c7 ,national fund manager ,the term national fund manager means a community development financial institution that is-- 7,a7 in existence on the date of enactment of this section2 and 7,b7 certified by the ,community ,development ,financial ,institution ,fund of the ,department of ,treasury to manage the ,initiative for purposes of-- 7i7 raising private capital2 7ii7 providing financial and technical assistance to partnerships2 and 7iii7 funding eligible projects to attract fresh1 healthy food retailers to underserved areas1 in accordance with this section4 7#d7 ,partnership ,the term partnership means a regional1 ,state1 or local public-private partnership that-- 7,a7 is organized to improve access to fresh1 healthy foods2 7,b7 provides financial and technical assistance to eligible projects2 and 7,c7 meets such other criteria as the ,secretary may establish4 7#e7 ,perishable food ,the term perishable food means a staple food that is fresh1 refrigerated1 or frozen4 7#f7 ,quality job ,the term quality job means a job that provides wages and other benefits comparable to1 or better than1 similar positions in existing businesses of similar size in similar local economies4 7#g7 ,staple food 7,a7 ,in general ,the term staple food means food that is a basic dietary item4 7,b7 ,inclusions ,the term staple food includes-- 7i7 bread2 7ii7 flour2 7iii7 fruits2 7iv7 vegetables2 and 7v7 meat4 7c7 ,initiative 7#a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary shall establish an initiative to achieve the purpose described in subsection 7a7 in accordance with this subsection4 7#b7 ,implementation 7,a7 ,in general 7i7 ,in general ,in carrying out the ,initiative1 the ,secretary shall provide funding to entities with eligible projects1 as described in subparagraph 7,b71 subject to the priorities described in subparagraph 7,c74 7ii7 ,use of funds ,funds provided to an entity pursuant to clause 7i7 shall be used-- 7,i7 to create revolving loan pools of capital or other products to provide loans to finance eligible projects or partnerships2 7,,ii7 to provide grants for eligible projects or partnerships2 7,,iii7 to provide technical assistance to funded projects and entities seeking ,initiative funding2 and 7,,iv7 to cover administrative expenses of the national fund manager in an amount not to exceed #aj percent of the ,federal funds provided4 7,b7 ,eligible projects ,subject to the approval of the ,secretary1 the national fund manager shall establish eligibility criteria for projects under the ,initiative1 which shall include the existence or planned execution of agreements-- 7i7 to expand or preserve the availability of staple foods in underserved areas with moderate- and low-income populations by maintaining or increasing the number of retail outlets that offer an assortment of perishable food and staple food items1 as determined by the ,secretary1 in those areas2 and 7ii7 to accept benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaa et seq474 7,c7 ,priorities ,in carrying out the ,initiative1 priority shall be given to projects that-- 7i7 are located in severely distressed low-income communities1 as defined by the ,community ,development ,financial ,institutions ,fund of the ,department of ,treasury2 and 7ii7 include #a or more of the following characteristics3 7,i7 ,the project will create or retain quality jobs for low-income residents in the community4 7,,ii7 ,the project supports regional food systems and locally grown foods1 to the maximum extent practicable4 7,,iii7 ,in areas served by public transit1 the project is accessible by public transit4 7,,iv7 ,the project involves women- or minority-owned businesses4 7,v7 ,the project receives funding from other sources1 including other ,federal agencies4 7,,vi7 ,the project otherwise advances the purpose of this section1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out this section #abe1jjj1jjj1 to remain available until expended4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #bif7;b7 of the ,department of ,agriculture ,reorganization ,act of #aiid 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #gjad7;b77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#f7 by striking or at the end2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#g7 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 or2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#h7 the authority of the ,secretary to establish and carry out the ,health ,food ,financing ,initiative under section #bdb4 4 #cjh4 ,review of sole-source contracts in ,federal nutrition programs ,the ,secretary shall conduct an evaluation of sole-source contracts in ,federal nutrition programs1 and the effect such contracts have on program participation1 program goals1 nonprogram consumers1 retailers1 and free market dynamics4 ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall report the findings of this review to the ,committee on ,agriculture of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition1 and ,forestry of the ,senate4 #cji4 ,purchase of ,halal and ,kosher food for emergency food assistance program ,section #bjb of the ,emergency ,food ,assistance ,act of #aihc 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #gejb7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7h7 ,kosher and ,halal food ,as soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this subsection1 the ,secretary shall finalize and implement a plan-- 7#a7 to increase the purchase of ,kosher and ,halal food from food manufacturers with a ,kosher or ,halal certification to carry out the program established under this ,act if the ,kosher and ,halal food purchased is cost neutral as compared to food that is not from food manufacturers with a ,kosher or ,halal certification2 and 7#b7 to modify the labeling of the commodities list used to carry out the program in a manner that enables ,kosher and ,halal food bank operators to identify which commodities to obtain from local food banks4 4