,i #aaeth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,h4 ,r4 #ejag ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,february #ad1 #bjah,ms4 ,fudge 7for herself1 ,mr4 ,evans1 and ,ms4 ,lee7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,agriculture ,a ,,bill ,to amend the ,department of ,agriculture ,reorganization ,act of #aiid to reauthorize the ,healthy ,food ,financing ,initiative1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,healthy ,food ,financing ,initiative ,reauthorization ,act of #bjah4 #b4 ,reauthorization of ,healthy ,food ,financing ,initiative ,section #bdc of the ,department of ,agriculture ,reorganization ,act of #aiid 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #fiec7 is amended to read as follows3 #bdc4 ,healthy ,food ,financing ,initiative 7a7 ,purpose ,the purpose of this section is to establish an initiative to provide financial and technical assistance to healthy food producers and retailers1 food hubs1 and mid-tier value chains that serve healthy food retailers and other healthy food business enterprises-- 7#a7 to improve access to1 and expand the supply of1 healthy food in low-income1 underserved communities2 7#b7 to create and preserve quality jobs and businesses2 7#c7 to revitalize distressed rural1 urban1 and small town economies2 7#d7 to support the development of local and regional food systems2 7#e7 to increase the distribution of locally produced agricultural products2 and 7#f7 to strengthen farm-to-consumer relationships4 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 ,disadvantaged business enterprise ,the term disadvantaged business enterprise has the meaning given the term in section #bf4e of title #di1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7as in effect on the date of enactment of the ,healthy ,food ,financing ,initiative ,reauthorization ,act of #bjah74 7#c7 ,farmers market ,the term farmers market means a common facility or area where several agricultural producers gather on a regular1 recurring basis to sell a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and other locally grown farm products directly to consumers4 7#d7 ,food access organization ,the term food access organization means a nonprofit organization with expertise in improving access to healthy food in underserved communities4 7#e7 ,food hub ,the term food hub means a commercial1 cooperatively owned1 or nonprofit enterprise that actively manages the aggregation1 distribution1 and marketing of source-identified food products primarily from local and regional producers to strengthen the ability of the producers to satisfy wholesale1 retail1 and institutional demand4 7#f7 ,healthy food ,the term healthy food means a food or beverage that improves and maintains overall human health and reduces the risk of chronic disease1 as described in the #bjae-bjbj ,dietary ,guidelines for ,americans of the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services and the ,secretary4 7#g7 ,healthy food business enterprise ,the term healthy food business enterprise means an entrepreneurial activity that improves access to healthy food in low-income and underserved communities1 such as a commercial kitchen or food business incubator4 7#h7 ,healthy food producer ,the term healthy food producer means a commercial1 cooperatively owned1 or nonprofit enterprise that produces agricultural commodities or adds value to agricultural commodity products to create healthy food products4 7#i7 ,healthy food retailer 7,a7 ,in general ,the term healthy food retailer means a commercial1 cooperatively owned1 or nonprofit seller of a healthy food1 including-- 7i7 a grocery store2 7ii7 a mobile food retailer2 7iii7 a farmers market2 7iv7 a cooperative2 7v7 a corner store2 7vi7 a bodega2 and 7vii7 any other store that sells a full range of fresh and healthy foods1 including any such store that sells nonhealthy foods4 7,b7 ,inclusion ,the term healthy food retailer includes a retail store in existence on the date of enactment of the ,healthy ,food ,financing ,initiative ,reauthorization ,act of #bjah that upgrades to sell a full range of healthy foods after that date of enactment4 7#aj7 ,historically underserved producer ,the term historically underserved producer means a beginning1 limited resource1 urban1 or socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7#aa7 ,incubator ,the term incubator means a commercial1 cooperatively owned1 or nonprofit enterprise that assists start-up businesses by providing support1 resources1 and business services and advice1 normally in #a physical location4 7#ab7 ,initiative ,the term ,initiative means the ,healthy ,food ,financing ,initiative established under subsection 7c74 7#ac7 ,initiative funds ,the term ,initiative funds means-- 7,a7 any ,federal amounts that are made available to carry out this section2 and 7,b7 any other forms of financial assistance 7including grants1 loans1 and equity investments7 that are raised by the ,national ,fund ,manager under this section4 7#ad7 ,low-income ,the term low-income 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#ae7 ,mid-tier value chain 7,a7 ,in general ,the term mid-tier value chain has the meaning given the term in section #bca7;a7 of the ,agricultural ,risk ,protection ,act of #bjjj 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #afcb;a7a774 7,b7 ,inclusions ,the term mid-tier value chain includes strategic business relationships with respect to production1 aggregation1 processing1 storage1 distribution1 or marketing4 7#af7 ,moderate-income ,the term moderate-income has the meaning given the term by the ,bureau of the ,census4 7#ag7 ,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 the ,healthy ,food ,financing ,initiative ,reauthorization ,act of #bjah2 7,b7 certified by the ,community ,development ,financial ,institutions ,fund of the ,department of the ,treasury to manage the ,initiative2 and 7,c7 designated by the ,secretary under subsection 7d77#a7 to manage the ,initiative4 7#ah7 ,partnership ,the term partnership means a regional1 ,state1 or local collaborative entity that is organized to improve access to healthy foods by providing financial and technical assistance to projects4 7#ai7 ,project ,the term project means a healthy food retailer1 a food hub1 a healthy food producer1 or a healthy food business enterprise under a commercial1 cooperatively owned1 or nonprofit enterprise that satisfies eligibility criteria for assistance under the ,initiative established by the ,national ,fund ,manager in accordance with subsection 7g77#a74 7#bj7 ,quality job ,the term quality job means a job that includes three or more of the following characteristics3 7,a7 ,a living wage that-- 7i7 is sufficient to support a decent standard of living2 or 7ii7 exceeds the median wage offered within the applicable industry4 7,b7 ,basic benefits that increase economic security1 improve health1 and promote work-life balance for employees1 including-- 7i7 paid leave2 7ii7 health insurance2 and 7iii7 a retirement savings plan1 including the use of an employee stock ownership plan4 7,c7 ,career-building opportunities that help employees develop the skills1 networks1 and experiences necessary to launch a career or advance along a career path1 including-- 7i7 formal and informal training and mentorship2 and 7ii7 avenues for advancement within the company4 7,d7 ,wealth-building opportunities that enable and provide incentives for an employee to build the assets that the employee needs to manage financial emergencies and achieve long-term financial security for the employee and the family of the employee1 including through employee ownership1 such as an employee stock ownership plan or a cooperative4 7,e7 ,a fair and engaging workplace that balances the priorities and well-being of employees with the needs of the business1 including-- 7i7 flexible and predictable schedules2 7ii7 treating employees with respect and dignity2 7iii7 actively soliciting ideas from employees to improve the business2 and 7iv7 helping employees understand how their work contributes to the success of the business4 7#ba7 ,rural2 rural area ,the terms rural and rural area have the meanings given those terms in section #cdc7;a7 of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #aiia7;a774 7#bb7 ,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 cereal2 7iii7 flour2 7iv7 fruit2 7v7 vegetables2 7vi7 meat2 and 7vii7 dairy products4 7#bc7 ,underserved community 7,a7 ,in general ,the term underserved community means a food desert1 as defined by the ,community ,development ,financial ,institutions ,fund of the ,department of the ,treasury1 including a distressed geographical area described in subparagraph 7,b71 that is-- 7i7 within a census tract that is described as a food desert on the food access research atlas of the ,secretary2 7ii7 within a census tract that-- 7,i7 is adjacent to a census tract described in clause 7i72 and 7,,ii7 has a median family income that is less than or equal to #abj percent of the applicable area median family income2 or 7iii7 a geographic unit 7as described in section #ahje4bja7;b77#c77;ii77,b7 of title #ab1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7as in effect on the date of enactment of the ,healthy ,food ,financing ,initiative ,reauthorization ,act of #bjah77 that-- 7,i7 individually meets at least one of the criteria described in section #ahje4bja7;b77#c77;ii77,d7 of title #ab1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7as in effect on the date of enactment of the ,healthy ,food ,financing ,initiative ,reauthorization ,act of #bjah72 and 7,,ii7 meets the criteria for having low access to a supermarket or grocery store through a methodology that has been adopted for use by a ,state or unit of local government or philanthropic healthy food initiative4 7,b7 ,distressed geographical area described ,a distressed geographical area referred to in subparagraph 7,a7 is a geographical area where a substantial number or share of residents has low access to a supermarket or large grocery store4 7c7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary shall establish within the ,department an initiative1 to be known as the ,healthy ,food ,financing ,initiative1 to achieve the purpose described in subsection 7a7 in accordance with this section4 7d7 ,duties of the ,secretary ,the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 once every #e years1 designate a ,national ,fund ,manager through a competitive process from among community development financial institutions that have qualifications and a demonstrated record of success and effectiveness in-- 7,a7 raising significant amounts of private funds and managing healthy food financing programs that provide grants1 loans1 and tax credits to improve access to1 and the supply of1 healthy foods in low-income1 underserved communities2 7,b7 developing and managing programs that provide financial and technical assistance to healthy food retailers1 healthy food producers1 food hubs1 farmers markets1 and other healthy food business enterprises that serve low-income1 underserved communities2 7,c7 partnering with food access organizations or other nonprofit organizations with expertise in improving food access in low-income1 underserved communities in the implementation of healthy food financing programs2 7,d7 investing in rural communities directly or in partnership with other rural economic development organizations2 7,e7 building the capacities of other community development financial institutions and building a network of collaboration across food access programs and food systems programs2 7,f7 engaging-- 7i7 rural1 ,tribal1 and disadvantaged business enterprises2 and 7ii7 businesses that serve low-income populations and support local or regional food systems and supply chains2 7,g7 developing performance goals and metrics to track and report the impact of healthy food financing programs2 7,h7 making and servicing grants1 loans1 loan loss reserves1 tax credits1 and other financing tools that are needed to effectively implement the ,initiative2 7,i7 financing and investing public and private funds in projects to improve access in low-income urban and rural communities2 7,j7 administering multiple contracts and subcontractors2 7,k7 providing or contracting for the provision of technical assistance2 and 7,l7 managing large capital pools2 7#b7 determine whether to approve-- 7,a7 the eligibility criteria developed by the ,national ,fund ,manager under subsection 7e77#b77;,a72 7,b7 the program strategy and budget for the ,initiative submitted by the ,national ,fund ,manager under subsection 7e77#a77;,e72 and 7,c7 the outcome metrics developed by the ,national ,fund ,manager under subsection 7e77#c77;,a72 7#c7 develop and make publically available annual progress reports and financial audits of the ,initiative to determine the effectiveness and impact of the ,initiative2 and 7#d7 ensure that ,initiative funds are used appropriately and efficiently4 7e7 ,duties of the ,national ,fund ,manager ,the ,national ,fund ,manager shall carry out the following duties under the ,initiative3 7#a7 ,assistance ,the ,national ,fund ,manager shall-- 7,a7 raise private funds to be used under the ,initiative2 7,b7 leverage and encourage the use of other ,federal funds from the ,department and other ,federal agencies2 7,c7 provide loan and grant awards to partnerships and projects in accordance with paragraph 7#b72 7,d7 consider providing to partnerships and projects financial assistance other than awards described in subparagraph 7,c71 subject to the conditions that the financial assistance shall-- 7i7 conform to all applicable laws 7including regulations7 and best industry practices2 and 7ii7 be approved by the ,secretary before the financial assistance is provided2 7,e7 submit to the ,secretary a program strategy and budget for the ,initiative for approval under subsection 7d77#b77;,b72 and 7,f7 provide appropriate technical assistance to partnerships and projects that are seeking or have received funding under the ,initiative1 such as-- 7i7 business planning2 7ii7 project feasibility analysis2 7iii7 market studies2 7iv7 pipeline development2 7v7 community engagement2 and 7vi7 local hiring practices4 7#b7 ,awards process ,the ,national ,fund ,manager shall-- 7,a7 with respect to partnerships-- 7i7 establish eligibility criteria for assistance under the ,initiative2 7ii7 review each partnership application to ensure that the application is complete and the partnership is eligible to be considered for an award2 7iii7 establish a competitive award process that considers-- 7,i7 the lack of access to healthy food items in the community of a partnership2 7,,ii7 the amount of local funds and other resources pledged by a partnership to match or leverage ,initiative funds2 7,,iii7 the degree of ,state1 local1 or ,tribal government support of the partnership2 7,,iv7 the capacity of the partnership to successfully develop and manage loan and grant programs2 7,v7 the capacity of the partnership to successfully develop1 provide1 or contract for technical assistance and business development services for healthy food retailers1 healthy food producers1 food hubs1 or other healthy food business enterprises2 7,,vi7 the capacity of the partnership-- 7aa7 to market and promote the ,initiative2 and 7bb7 to support disadvantaged business enterprises or historically underserved producers2 7,,vii7 the capacity of the partnership to collect data and monitor and track program outcomes2 7,,viii7 the degree of community engagement and participation in1 or benefits from1 projects to be financed by the partnership2 and 7,,ix7 the contribution of the partnership to the overall geographical diversity of the ,initiative2 7iv7 provide awards to each of-- 7,i7 a ,state1 ,tribal1 or unit of local government or a quasi-public ,state or local government agency2 7,,ii7 a food access organization or an organization similarly committed to improving access to healthy foods2 and 7,,iii7 a community development financial institution or other organization that can administer a loan and grant program in accordance with this section2 and 7v7 enter into a loan or grant agreement1 as applicable1 with each partnership to which the ,national ,fund ,manager provides an award2 and 7,b7 with respect to projects-- 7i7 establish eligibility criteria for assistance under the ,initiative in accordance with subsection 7g77#a72 7ii7 review each application to ensure that the application is complete and the project is eligible to be considered for an award2 7iii7 evaluate each application and provide awards to projects in accordance with the priorities described in subsection 7g77#b71 on a rolling basis1 that-- 7,i7 are consistent with this section2 and 7,,ii7 demonstrate the need for assistance under the ,initiative2 and 7iv7 based on a review of the use of ,initiative funds described in paragraph 7#c77;,c77v77,,ii71 ensure that a reasonable amount of ,initiative funds are used to support nonretail projects4 7#c7 ,post-award activities ,the ,national ,fund ,manager shall-- 7,a7 recommend to the ,secretary for approval under subsection 7d77#b77;,c7 outcome metrics for evaluating the effectiveness and impact of the ,initiative1 including-- 7i7 the location1 type1 and number of-- 7,i7 businesses assisted by the ,initiative2 7,,ii7 businesses created or expanded by the ,initiative2 7,,iii7 rural businesses assisted by the ,initiative2 and 7,,iv7 disadvantaged businesses assisted by the ,initiative2 7ii7 demographic characteristics of the populations and communities served by the ,initiative1 such as income1 race1 and ethnicity2 7iii7 jobs created and retained by very low- and low-income persons as a result of the ,initiative2 7iv7 the job quality of jobs created by the ,initiative2 7v7 funds leveraged by the ,initiative2 7vi7 project participation in-- 7,i7 the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaa et seq472 7,,ii7 the special supplemental nutrition program for women1 infants1 and children established by section #ag of the ,child ,nutrition ,act of #aiff 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aghf72 and 7,,iii7 other nutrition benefit programs2 7vii7 project participation in1 and offering of1 job training programs targeting low-income populations2 7viii7 project participation in programs to promote healthy food choices and increase the affordability of healthy food by low-income populations1 such as-- 7,i7 nutrition education under the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaa et seq472 and 7,,ii7 the food insecurity nutrition incentive program under section #ddje of the ,food1 ,conservation1 and ,energy ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #geag72 and 7ix7 the degree of collaboration among local partners2 7,b7 7i7 collect data from partnerships and projects awarded funding under the ,initiative2 and 7ii7 compile the data for the approved outcome metrics described in subparagraph 7,a72 and 7,c7 submit to the ,secretary-- 7i7 with respect to partnerships and projects awarded funding under the ,initiative1 periodic reports on approved outcome metrics described in subparagraph 7,a7 using data collected and compiled under subparagraph 7,b72 7ii7 the percentage of the number of partnerships and projects funded for each fiscal year that are located in a rural area2 7iii7 the percentage of the number of partnerships and projects funded for each fiscal year that are located in-- 7,i7 low-income communities2 and 7,,ii7 moderate-income communities2 7iv7 a copy of-- 7,i7 the ,community ,development ,financial ,institutions ,fund annual certification for the ,national ,fund ,manager2 and 7,,ii7 the data collection report form submitted to the ,department of the ,treasury by the ,national ,fund ,manager2 and 7v7 an annual report that includes-- 7,i7 a synopsis of each partnership and project receiving funding under the ,initiative2 and 7,,ii7 a description of the use of ,initiative funds for the applicable year4 7#d7 ,outreach ,the ,national ,fund ,manager shall contract with a national food access organization 7and may contract with regional or local food access organizations7-- 7,a7 to publicize the ,initiative to target communities and priority populations2 and 7,b7 to organize and build the capacities of partnerships1 potential applicants for funding under the ,initiative1 and peer organizations to ensure that resources are directed to communities most in need of funding under the ,initiative4 7#e7 ,alignment ,to maximize the impact of the ,initiative1 the ,national ,fund ,manager shall seek to align the ,initiative with-- 7,a7 other programs of the ,department1 such as-- 7i7 the food insecurity nutrition incentive program under section #ddje of the ,food1 ,conservation1 and ,energy ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #geag72 and 7ii7 the ,farmers' ,market and ,local ,food ,promotion ,program under section #f of the ,farmer-to-,consumer ,direct ,marketing ,act of #aigf 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #cjje72 and 7,b7 other ,federal nutrition programs4 7f7 ,duties of partnerships ,a partnership that receives an award from the ,national ,fund ,manager shall carry out financing and other activities to implement and maximize the effectiveness of the ,initiative1 as described in the grant or loan agreement1 as applicable1 with the ,national ,fund ,manager under subsection 7e77#b77;,a77v71 including-- 7#a7 conducting marketing and outreach to communities1 the grocery industry1 and others-- 7,a7 to solicit applications from projects in underserved communities2 7,b7 to build an understanding of the economics of the local food retail market2 and 7,c7 to identify opportunities in the target area2 7#b7 reviewing applications from projects for funding under the ,initiative2 7#c7 underwriting and disbursing ,initiative funds to projects2 7#d7 providing technical assistance and business development services to projects2 7#e7 submitting an annual financial and program report to the ,national ,fund ,manager that describes-- 7,a7 the activities of the partnership2 7,b7 the expenditure of ,initiative funds2 and 7,c7 any success in meeting approved outcome metrics described in subsection 7e77#c77;,a7 and satisfying such other terms and conditions as are specified in the grant or loan agreement2 and 7#f7 expending reasonable administrative costs1 which shall not exceed #aj percent of the amounts provided to the partnership under the ,initiative4 7g7 ,projects 7#a7 ,eligibility ,to be eligible to receive an award under the ,initiative1 a project shall-- 7,a7 be located in a low-income area or a moderate-income area2 7,b7 be located in or serve an underserved community2 7,c7 expand or preserve the availability of staple food2 7,d7 demonstrate the need for funding under the ,initiative2 7,e7 in the case of a healthy food retailer-- 7i7 accept benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaa et seq472 or 7ii7 develop mid-tier value chains that expand the availability of healthy food in underserved communities2 7,f7 in the case of a food hub or healthy food producer-- 7i7 7,i7 sell healthy food items to food retailers that serve an underserved area2 and 7,,ii7 accept benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaa et seq472 or 7ii7 sell or donate healthy food items to an institution1 such as a hospital1 school1 food bank or pantry1 social service agency1 community center1 or religious organization1 that serves low-income1 underserved communities2 and 7,g7 in the case of a healthy food business enterprise1 train or employ individuals from low-income1 underserved communities4 7#b7 ,priorities ,in making awards to projects under the ,initiative1 priority shall be given to a project that-- 7,a7 is located in an area that meets at least one of the criteria described in section #ahje4bja7;b77#c77;ii77,d7 of title #ab1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7as in effect on the date of enactment of the ,healthy ,food ,financing ,initiative ,reauthorization ,act of #bjah72 and 7,b7 7i7 is located in or serves a rural area2 7ii7 supports rural economic development2 7iii7 includes mid-tier value chains that use agricultural producer business and cooperative ownership models2 7iv7 involves a disadvantaged business enterprise or historically underserved producer2 7v7 participates in a job training or workforce development program that targets low-income individuals and underserved communities2 7vi7 commits to hiring low-income residents from the community that the project serves2 7vii7 will create or retain quality jobs in the community that the project serves2 7viii7 is supported by the community served by the project1 based on the factors of store quality1 affordability1 site location1 and coordination with local community plans or other programs promoting community and economic development2 7ix7 supports regional food systems and locally grown foods2 7x7 is associated with a transit-oriented development project2 7xi7 is accessible by public transit1 if public transit is available in the area2 7xii7 receives funding from other ,federal agencies or is part of another ,federal program or initiative2 7xiii7 involves veteran-owned businesses or veteran farmers and ranchers 7as defined in section #beja7;e7 of the ,food1 ,agriculture1 ,conservation and ,trade ,act of #aiij 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bbgi7;e7772 or 7xiv7 participates in other food assistance and nutrition education programs of the ,department4 7h7 ,funding 7#a7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out this section #abe1jjj1jjj1 to remain available until expended4 7#b7 ,allocation ,of amounts appropriated under paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 not less than #ge percent shall be used to fund projects of healthy food retailers2 and 7,b7 not more than #be percent shall be used to fund projects of food hubs1 healthy food producers1 and healthy food business enterprises4 7#c7 ,administrative costs ,not more than #aj percent of amounts appropriated under paragraph 7#a7 shall be used for administrative costs4 4