,,ii #aafth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #chdj ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,may #ba1 #bjbj,ms4 ,stabenow 7for herself1 ,mr4 ,leahy1 ,mr4 ,brown1 ,ms4 ,klobuchar1 ,mr4 ,bennet1 ,mrs4 ,gillibrand1 ,mr4 ,casey1 ,ms4 ,smith1 ,mr4 ,durbin1 and ,mr4 ,schumer7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition1 and ,forestry ,a ,,bill ,to protect the continuity of the food supply chain of the ,united ,states in response to ,,covid-#ai1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,food ,supply ,protection ,act of #bjbj4 #b4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,,covid-#ai emergency ,the term ,,covid-#ai emergency means the public health emergency declared by the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services under section #cai of the ,public ,health ,service ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bdg;d7 on ,january #ca1 #bjbj1 with respect to ,,covid-#ai4 7#b7 ,donation period ,the term donation period means the period-- 7,a7 beginning on ,january #ca1 #bjbj2 and 7,b7 ending on the later of-- 7i7 ,december #ca1 #bjbj2 and 7ii7 a date after ,december #ca1 #bjbj1 if there are remaining food surpluses relating to the ,,covid-#ai emergency1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7#c7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,agriculture4 #c4 ,infrastructure grants to nonprofit feeding organizations 7a7 ,purposes ,the purposes of this section are-- 7#a7 to reduce food waste by supporting the distribution of perishable food that would otherwise go to waste or be left unharvested2 7#b7 to provide food and meals to individuals in need during the ,,covid-#ai emergency2 7#c7 to improve the ability of food banks and other nonprofit feeding organizations to process1 repack1 store1 or distribute perishable food in response to the ,,covid-#ai emergency2 and 7#d7 to facilitate partnerships with local and regional organizations to store1 repackage1 prepare1 process1 or distribute food and meals4 7b7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,eligible organization ,the term eligible organization means an organization providing free food or meals during the donation period1 including-- 7,a7 a nonprofit organization1 such as a food bank1 a school1 and an emergency feeding organization2 7,b7 a faith-based organization that distributes food or meals1 and any other similar program1 as determined by the ,secretary2 7,c7 a tribal organization that distributes food or meals2 7,d7 a child or adult care center2 and 7,e7 any other similar feeding entity1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7#b7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary1 acting through the ,administrator of the ,food and ,nutrition ,service4 7#c7 ,tribal organization ,the term tribal organization has the meaning given the term in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjd74 7c7 ,reimbursement for storage and distribution of perishable commodities 7#a7 ,establishment ,not later than #ae days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall establish a program under which the ,secretary shall reimburse costs incurred during the donation period by an eligible organization for the distribution and temporary storage of perishable commodities1 without regard to the source of those commodities4 7#b7 ,reimbursement rate ,under the program established under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall reimburse eligible organizations at a rate of #j4aj per pound of perishable food stored and distributed during the donation period4 7#c7 ,advance reimbursement ,the ,secretary shall provide an advance reimbursement to an eligible organization under paragraph 7#a7 if the ,secretary approves a plan submitted by the eligible organization that-- 7,a7 estimates the pounds of perishable food expected to be distributed during the subsequent #cj days2 and 7,b7 demonstrates the ability of the eligible organization to accomplish that distribution4 7#d7 ,funding ,of the funds of the ,commodity ,credit ,corporation1 the ,secretary shall use not more than #ejj1jjj1jjj to carry out this subsection1 of which not more than #c percent may be used for administrative expenses4 7d7 ,grants for infrastructure1 equipment1 and supplies 7#a7 ,establishment ,not later than #cj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall establish a program under which the ,secretary shall award grants to eligible organizations to improve1 construct1 rent1 lease1 or purchase infrastructure1 equipment1 and supplies that support the distribution of surplus perishable food or meals prepared with that food and the purposes described in subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,applications 7,a7 ,in general ,to be eligible to receive a grant under paragraph 7#a71 an eligible organization shall submit to the ,secretary an application at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may require1 including the information described in subparagraph 7,c74 7,b7 ,review and submission ,the ,secretary shall approve or deny an application received under subparagraph 7,a7-- 7i7 not later than #cj days after the date of receipt of the application2 and 7ii7 in the case of an application for a grant amount of less than #hj1jjj or an application that may be reviewed quickly otherwise1 as determined by the ,secretary1 in accordance with the timeline in a fast-track review process established by the ,secretary for such applications4 7,c7 ,selection criteria ,in determining whether to approve or deny an application of an eligible organization under subparagraph 7,b71 the ,secretary shall consider whether the eligible organization-- 7i7 to the extent practicable1 will use local and regional food business and small and medium businesses to carry out activities under the grant2 7ii7 will divert perishable food that would otherwise be wasted or unharvested2 7iii7 will develop innovative partnerships with institutions that have available1 underutilized cold storage1 food preparation1 or other existing resources or facilities2 7iv7 will make investments in infrastructure or equipment that have short- or long-term value1 have multiple uses1 and would improve preparedness for future surges in donations of perishable foods2 and 7v7 demonstrates an ability to use the grant for the purposes described in paragraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,use of funds ,activities carried out by eligible organizations using grant funds awarded under paragraph 7#a7 may include the following3 7,a7 ,purchasing new or temporary packaging materials and food labels4 7,b7 ,converting industrial-sized products to consumer-sized products4 7,c7 ,purchasing1 renting1 or leasing storage or preparation space1 cold storage1 equipment1 or vehicles1 trailers1 or transportation services4 7,d7 ,purchasing test kits1 disinfectant1 sanitation systems1 or hand washing stations4 7,e7 ,training relating to-- 7i7 equipment purchased1 rented1 or leased with the grant funds2 and 7ii7 new procedures established by the eligible organization that are supported by the grant funds4 7,f7 ,purchasing and decontaminating personal protective equipment4 7,g7 ,purchasing equipment and supplies to facilitate food or meal distribution4 7#d7 ,ownership of infrastructure1 equipment1 and supplies ,any infrastructure1 equipment1 or supplies purchased by an eligible organization using a grant awarded under paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 shall be required to support the purposes of the grant but need not be exclusively used for those purposes2 7,b7 shall not have ,federal property tracking and inventory requirements applied beyond the end of the grant term2 and 7,c7 shall remain under the ownership of the eligible organization for future use or pandemic or food crisis preparedness4 7#e7 ,public grant announcements ,not later than #aj days after the date on which a grant is awarded under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall publicly announce the grant on the website of the ,food and ,nutrition ,service1 including a summary of the activities funded by the grant and the projected volume of food or meal distribution supported by the grant4 7#f7 ,funding ,of the funds of the ,commodity ,credit ,corporation1 the ,secretary shall use not more than #ejj1jjj1jjj to carry out this subsection1 of which not more than #c percent may be used for administrative expenses4 7e7 ,outreach ,the ,secretary shall conduct outreach to eligible organizations1 including tribal organizations1 that serve underserved communities or have minimal or no participation in ,federal programs to ensure that those organizations are informed of the programs established under this section4 7f7 ,duplication and relation to other programs ,an eligible organization may not receive reimbursements1 payments1 or grants from ,federal sources for activities carried out under this section in an amount that exceeds #ajj percent of the costs incurred by the eligible organization in carrying out those activities4 7g7 ,additional funding ,in addition to the funds used under subsections 7c77#d7 and 7d77#f71 of the funds of the ,commodity ,credit ,corporation1 the ,secretary shall use such sums as are necessary to carry out this section4 #d4 ,food purchase partnerships 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,eligible feeding organization ,the term eligible feeding organization means a public or private nonprofit organization 7including a tribal organization 7as defined in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjd7771 or a restaurant operating an emergency feeding or food relief program1 that distributes donated eligible food or meals prepared1 at least in part1 from eligible food4 7#b7 ,eligible food ,the term eligible food means meat1 poultry1 eggs1 fluid milk1 dairy products1 fruit1 vegetables1 seafood1 and other unprocessed or minimally processed food that-- 7,a7 is produced and processed in the ,united ,states2 and 7,b7 would otherwise be unharvested or surplus if not donated4 7#c7 ,food value ,the term food value-- 7,a7 means the typical wholesale value of food being donated in a nonsurplus situation2 and 7,b7 may be adjusted to reflect the typical premium associated with local food1 organic food1 or other premiums4 7#d7 ,indian ,tribe ,the term ,indian ,tribe has the meaning given the term ,indian tribe in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjd74 7#e7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary1 acting through the ,administrator of the ,agricultural ,marketing ,service4 7#f7 ,state ,the term ,state means-- 7,a7 each of the several ,states of the ,united ,states2 7,b7 the ,district of ,columbia2 7,c7 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico2 7,d7 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands2 7,e7 ,guam2 7,f7 ,american ,samoa2 and 7,g7 the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7b7 ,establishment2 purposes 7#a7 ,establishment ,not later than #ae days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall establish-- 7,a7 the ,state and ,tribal surplus food purchase program in accordance with subsection 7c72 and 7,b7 the ,federal surplus food reimbursement program in accordance with subsection 7d74 7#b7 ,purposes ,the purposes of the programs established under paragraph 7#a7 shall be-- 7,a7 to facilitate the purchase and donation of eligible food2 7,b7 to provide nutrition assistance to individuals facing food insecurity2 7,c7 to encourage the use of available infrastructure and resources to respond to ,,covid-#ai-related food supply chain disruptions2 and 7,d7 to reduce food waste4 7c7 ,state and ,tribal surplus food purchase program 7#a7 ,in general ,to advance the purposes described in subsection 7b77#b71 the ,secretary shall carry out a ,state and ,tribal surplus food purchase program1 under which the ,secretary shall provide funding to ,states and ,indian ,tribes to administer a grant or other reimbursement program to purchase surplus eligible food and distribute the food to eligible feeding organizations4 7#b7 ,instructions ,not later than #ae days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall provide instructions for ,states and ,indian ,tribes seeking funding under this subsection4 7#c7 ,initial application 7,a7 ,in general ,a ,state or ,indian ,tribe seeking funding under this subsection shall submit to the ,secretary an initial application that-- 7i7 designates the one or more lead agencies of the ,state or ,indian ,tribe for administering the grant or other reimbursement program2 and 7ii7 includes a plan for administering the grant or other reimbursement program in accordance with paragraph 7#d74 7,b7 ,joint applications ,two or more ,states1 ,indian ,tribes1 or combinations of ,states and ,indian ,tribes-- 7i7 may jointly submit an initial application under subparagraph 7,a72 and 7ii7 shall be eligible to receive a combination of the amounts provided under the initial allocation under paragraph 7#e74 7#d7 ,state or ,tribal plan ,the ,state or ,tribal plan described in paragraph 7#c77;,a77ii7 shall include descriptions of-- 7,a7 how the lead agencies of a ,state or ,indian ,tribe1 or a joint applicant under paragraph 7#c77;,b71 will-- 7i7 facilitate connecting producers of surplus eligible food with eligible feeding organizations2 and 7ii7 make available to individuals information relating to how to access food or meals provided through the program under this subsection2 7,b7 mechanisms that eligible feeding organizations will use to distribute food and meals under the program under this subsection2 7,c7 how the plan advances the purposes described in subsection 7b77#b72 and 7,d7 how innovative partnerships with organizations serving at-risk populations or facilities that have unused capacity due to the ,,covid-#ai emergency 7including restaurants1 hospitality companies1 schools1 senior centers1 afterschool programs1 sports franchises or other enterprises1 distributors1 and other public or private organizations7 will be encouraged and supported under the plan4 7#e7 ,initial allocation 7,a7 ,in general ,of the funds of the ,commodity ,credit ,corporation1 the ,secretary shall distribute #a1jjj1jjj1jjj to ,states and ,indian ,tribes under this subsection4 7,b7 ,minimum allocation ,in distributing amounts under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretary shall allocate not less than-- 7i7 #e1jjj1jjj for each ,state2 and 7ii7 #bjj1jjj for each ,indian ,tribe4 7,c7 ,formula ,in allocating amounts under subparagraph 7,b71 subject to the limitations described in that subparagraph1 the ,secretary shall allocate-- 7i7 #ej percent based on-- 7,i7 in the case of ,states1 the formula used to allocate among ,states the commodities and funding available under the emergency food assistance program established under the ,emergency ,food ,assistance ,act of #aihc 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #geja et seq471 using the most current data available as of the date of enactment of this ,act2 and 7,,ii7 in the case of ,indian ,tribes1 a formula determined by the ,secretary1 in consultation with ,indian ,tribes1 that is based on poverty rates1 unemployment rates1 and rates of participation in ,federal feeding programs2 and 7ii7 #ej percent based on the market value of agricultural products sold within each ,state or ,tribal area1 including agricultural products produced by the members of each ,indian ,tribe or ,tribal businesses or enterprises1 weighted such that of the amount under this clause is based on each of-- 7,i7 dairy and eggs2 7,,ii7 meat and poultry2 7,,iii7 vegetables2 and 7,,iv7 fruit4 7#f7 ,reallocation and additional funding 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may-- 7i7 reallocate to ,states or ,indian ,tribes described in subparagraph 7,b7 amounts initially allocated under this subsection to a ,state or ,indian ,tribe that-- 7,i7 did not submit an application under paragraph 7#c72 or 7,,ii7 did not use the full amount allocated to the ,state or ,indian ,tribe2 and 7ii7 distribute such sums as are necessary of the funds of the ,commodity ,credit ,corporation in addition to the amount made available under paragraph 7#e77;,a7 to ,states or ,indian ,tribes described in subparagraph 7,b74 7,b7 ,additional funding ,the ,secretary shall distribute amounts reallocated or distributed under subparagraph 7,a7 to ,states or ,indian ,tribes that-- 7i7 demonstrate additional need2 or 7ii7 have leveraged the amounts initially allocated to the ,state or ,indian ,tribe to form innovative partnerships described in paragraph 7#d77;,d74 7#g7 ,administration 7,a7 ,administrative expenses ,a ,state or ,indian ,tribe receiving funding under this subsection may not use more than #h percent for administrative expenses4 7,b7 ,no duplication ,the combination of all purchases of eligible food or other reimbursements provided by a ,state or ,indian ,tribe for eligible food through a program under this subsection shall not exceed #ajj percent of the food value of the eligible food4 7d7 ,federal surplus food reimbursement program 7#a7 ,definitions ,in this subsection3 7,a7 ,eligible expenses ,the term eligible expenses means harvesting1 processing1 packaging1 cold storage prior to delivery to the eligible feeding organization1 meeting food safety requirements1 repacking1 meal preparation1 transportation1 and related costs1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7,b7 ,eligible food organization ,the term eligible food organization means-- 7i7 a farming cooperative2 7ii7 a farmers organization1 food hub1 food distributor1 majority-controlled producer-based business venture 7as defined in section #baj;,a7a7 of the ,agricultural ,marketing ,act of #aidf 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #afbg;c7a7771 or other food aggregator2 and 7iii7 a food processor4 7,c7 ,eligible partnership ,the term eligible partnership means a partnership between an eligible food organization and an eligible feeding organization 7including any other entity that provides necessary services for the partnership that incurs eligible expenses7 in order to prevent food waste and distribute food to individuals experiencing food insecurity4 7,d7 ,participating partnership ,the term participating partnership means an eligible partnership for which the ,secretary has approved a reimbursement and distribution plan under paragraph 7#c77;,b74 7#b7 ,program ,the ,secretary shall carry out a ,federal surplus food reimbursement program1 under which the ,secretary shall reimburse participating partnerships to facilitate the donation of surplus eligible food in accordance with this subsection4 7#c7 ,reimbursement and distribution plans 7,a7 ,in general ,to be eligible to receive a reimbursement under this subsection1 an eligible partnership shall submit to the ,secretary a reimbursement and distribution plan that-- 7i7 describes the process that the eligible partnership will use to identify1 obtain1 harvest1 process1 transport1 temporarily store1 and distribute eligible food2 7ii7 includes an estimate of the quantity and types of eligible food that the eligible partnership will purchase and donate2 7iii7 describes the eligible expenses for which the eligible partnership seeks to be reimbursed2 and 7iv7 demonstrates experience to comply with the requirements of this subsection4 7,b7 ,review and approval ,on a rolling basis1 the ,secretary shall-- 7i7 review reimbursement and distribution plans submitted under subparagraph 7,a72 and 7ii7 determine whether to approve or disapprove each of those reimbursement and distribution plans4 7#d7 ,reimbursement 7,a7 ,in general ,on receipt of appropriate documentation under subparagraph 7,b71 the ,secretary shall reimburse a participating partnership or a member of a participating partnership that has incurred eligible expenses or donated eligible food on a regular basis for qualified expenses described in paragraph 7#e74 7,b7 ,documentation 7i7 ,in general ,a participating partnership shall submit to the ,secretary such documentation as the ,secretary may require to demonstrate the qualified expenses described in paragraph 7#e74 7ii7 ,verification ,the ,secretary may verify the accuracy of documentation submitted under clause 7i7 by spot checks and audits4 7,c7 ,retroactive reimbursement ,in providing reimbursements under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretary may provide reimbursements for qualified expenses described in paragraph 7#e7-- 7i7 incurred before the date on which the reimbursement and distribution plan for the applicable participating partnership was approved by the ,secretary2 and 7ii7 relating to purchases and donations made during the donation period4 7,d7 ,advance payment for eligible expenses ,the ,secretary shall provide an advance payment on request of an eligible partnership in an amount equal to the lesser of-- 7i7 #cj percent of the estimated eligible expenses of the eligible partnership during the donation period2 and 7ii7 #a1jjj1jjj4 7#e7 ,qualified expenses 7,a7 ,in general 7i7 ,amount ,subject to subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c71 the amount of a reimbursement under paragraph 7#d7 shall be an amount equal to the sum obtained by adding-- 7,i7 subject to clause 7ii71 the eligible expenses of the eligible partnership during the donation period2 and 7,,ii7 the food value of eligible food donated by the eligible partnership during the donation period4 7ii7 ,limitation ,the amount of eligible expenses described in clause 7i77,i7 shall not exceed #be percent of the food value described in clause 7i77,,ii74 7,b7 ,limitation ,the amount of a reimbursement under paragraph 7#d7-- 7i7 shall not exceed the amount of eligible expenses that an eligible partnership incurred during the donation period2 and 7ii7 may be limited by the ,secretary based on prevailing or typical costs for each type of eligible expense4 7,c7 ,no duplication ,the combination of all payments or grants provided from all ,federal sources to eligible partnership or members of an eligible partnership to reimburse for eligible expenses or food value shall not exceed #ajj percent of the eligible expenses or food value4 7#f7 ,clearinghouse for available food ,to support the program under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall establish a clearinghouse to collect information from-- 7,a7 eligible food organizations that have eligible food to donate2 and 7,b7 local and regional eligible feeding organizations that have capacity to receive or distribute additional eligible food4 7e7 ,relationship to other program ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 funding provided under this section may be used to meet matching funds or cost share requirements for any other ,federal program4 7f7 ,prohibition on resale of products 7#a7 ,in general ,an eligible feeding organization that receives eligible food donated under this section may not sell the eligible food back into a commercial market4 7#b7 ,prohibition on future participation ,an eligible feeding organization that the ,secretary determines has violated paragraph 7#a7 shall not be eligible for any future participation in the programs established under this section4 7g7 ,administration 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall publicize opportunities to participate in the programs established under this section4 7#b7 ,administrative expenses ,the ,secretary may use for administrative expenses not more than #c percent of the funds made available to carry out this section4 7#c7 ,outreach ,the ,secretary shall ensure that farmers and ranchers who are minorities1 women1 young1 or veterans1 and any eligible feeding organizations that serve those farmers and ranchers or food insecure populations1 are informed of opportunities through the programs under this section4 7h7 ,reviews ,the ,secretary shall conduct appropriate reviews or audits to ensure the integrity of the programs established under this section4 7i7 ,reports 7#a7 ,state and ,tribal surplus food purchase program ,every #cj days1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition1 and ,forestry of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,agriculture of the ,house of ,representatives a report describing1 with respect to the ,state and ,tribal surplus food purchase program under subsection 7c7-- 7,a7 the funding made available to ,states and ,indian ,tribes2 and 7,b7 a summary of the reviews or audits conducted by the ,secretary under subsection 7h71 including a description of-- 7i7 each review or audit conducted2 and 7ii7 the findings of each review or audit conducted4 7#b7 ,federal surplus food reimbursement program ,every #cj days1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition1 and ,forestry of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,agriculture of the ,house of ,representatives a report describing1 with respect to the ,federal surplus food reimbursement program under subsection 7d7-- 7,a7 payments made under that program-- 7i7 by participating partnership 7as defined in subsection 7d77#a772 and 7ii7 by ,state2 and 7,b7 a summary of the reviews or audits conducted by the ,secretary under subsection 7h71 including a description of-- 7i7 each review or audit conducted2 and 7ii7 the findings of each review or audit conducted4 7j7 ,funding ,in addition to the funds made available under paragraphs 7#e77;,a7 and 7#f77;,a77ii7 of subsection 7c71 of the funds of the ,commodity ,credit ,corporation1 the ,secretary shall use such sums as are necessary to carry out this section4 #e4 ,food supply chain grants and loans 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,custom establishment ,the term custom establishment means a very small or custom establishment that is exempt from inspection requirements under the ,federal ,meat ,inspection ,act 7#ba ,u4,s4,c4 #fja et seq47 pursuant to section #bc of that ,act 7#ba ,u4,s4,c4 #fbc74 7#b7 ,eligible entity ,the term eligible entity means-- 7,a7 a small or midsized food processor or distributor 7including a manufacturer1 food hub1 custom establishment1 business cooperative1 and food service provider7 with fewer than #a1ejj employees2 7,b7 a sole proprietor food business2 7,c7 a producer1 an agricultural producer group1 a producer cooperative1 or a majority-controlled producer-based business venture 7as defined in section #baj;,a7a7 of the ,agricultural ,marketing ,act of #aidf 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #afbg;c7a7772 7,d7 a farmers market2 7,e7 a farm labor contractor or farm worker organization2 and 7,f7 such other similar entities1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7b7 ,establishment 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish a program to provide temporary assistance to eligible entities to address and respond to the ,,covid-#ai emergency within the food supply chain through the provision of grants under subsection 7d71 direct loans under subsection 7e71 and guaranteed loans in accordance with subsection 7f7 to eligible entities in accordance with this section4 7#b7 ,multiple financing tools ,an eligible entity may receive not more than #a grant1 #a direct loan1 and #a guaranteed loan under this section4 7c7 ,purpose and uses of assistance ,an eligible entity that receives a grant1 direct loan1 or guaranteed loan under this section shall use the amounts received under the grant1 direct loan1 or guaranteed loan for the purpose of responding to the ,,covid-#ai emergency by building flexibility into the food supply chain and incentivizing creative economic solutions to strengthen the farm economy and agricultural communities1 protect workers1 and minimize food waste through any of the following uses3 7#a7 ,retooling processing lines4 7#b7 ,purchasing packaging materials and food labels4 7#c7 ,developing new food products to meet a change in demand4 7#d7 ,converting industrial-sized products to consumer-sized products4 7#e7 ,upgrading technology1 software1 and computers4 7#f7 ,purchasing temporary space or holding pens1 dry or cold storage1 equipment1 or transportation services or equipment4 7#g7 ,developing and disseminating educational materials relating to ,,covid-#ai protective measures4 7#h7 ,purchasing test kits or equipment to screen the body temperature of employees for the presence of ,,covid-#ai1 disinfectant1 sanitation systems1 or hand washing stations4 7#i7 ,purchasing and decontaminating personal protective equipment4 7#aj7 ,providing other measures to protect workers against1 or aid in preventing the spread of1 ,,covid-#ai4 7#aa7 ,in the case of a grant under subsection 7d71 repaying-- 7,a7 a direct loan made under subsection 7e72 or 7,b7 a loan guaranteed in accordance with subsection 7f74 7d7 ,grants 7#a7 ,applications 7,a7 ,in general ,an eligible entity desiring to receive a grant under this subsection shall submit to the ,secretary an application in accordance with an application process established by the ,secretary4 7,b7 ,simplified application process ,in establishing the application process under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretary shall establish a simplified1 separate application process for eligible entities requesting less than #ajj1jjj in grants4 7#b7 ,requirement ,subject to paragraphs 7#c7 and 7#d71 the ,secretary shall provide grants under this subsection in the order in which the ,secretary receives applications submitted in accordance with paragraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,priority ,the ,secretary shall give priority to applications submitted under paragraph 7#a7 that include1 at least in part1 the use of the grant amount for purchases described in paragraphs 7#h7 and 7#i7 of subsection 7c74 7#d7 ,reservation ,of the amount made available for grants under this section1 #aj percent shall be reserved for grants provided to beginning1 veteran1 or socially disadvantaged farmers1 ranchers1 or businesses4 7#e7 ,maximum amount ,the amount of a grant under this subsection shall be not more than #a1jjj1jjj4 7e7 ,rapid response direct loans 7#a7 ,applications ,an eligible entity desiring to receive a direct loan under this subsection shall submit to the ,secretary an application in accordance with an application process established by the ,secretary in accordance with this subsection4 7#b7 ,provision of amounts ,subject to paragraph 7#c71 not later than #c business days after the date on which the ,secretary receives an application in accordance with paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall provide the amount under the applicable direct loan to the applicable eligible entity4 7#c7 ,verification2 requirements 7,a7 ,verification ,before providing amounts under paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretary shall verify that the applicant is an eligible entity by accepting a self-certification from the applicant under penalty of perjury pursuant to section #agdf of title #bh1 ,united ,states ,code4 7,b7 ,basis of approval ,the ,secretary may approve an applicant for a direct loan under this subsection based solely on-- 7i7 the credit score of the applicant2 or 7ii7 the verification under subparagraph 7,a74 7,c7 ,underwriting requirements ,the ,secretary shall not require an applicant for a direct loan under this subsection-- 7i7 to submit a tax return or a tax return transcript for approval2 or 7ii7 to provide collateral or a personal guarantee4 7,d7 ,interest rate ,the interest rate for a direct loan under this subsection shall be #b4cge percent4 7,e7 ,fee waiver ,any otherwise applicable fees shall not be required for a direct loan under this subsection4 7#d7 ,certain applicants ,to the extent practicable1 notwithstanding paragraph 7#c77;,b77i71 the ,secretary shall accept applicants with lower credit scores1 as necessary to ensure that eligible entities that are socially disadvantaged1 small businesses1 or located in underserved communities that have a high poverty rate have an opportunity to receive a direct loan under this subsection4 7#e7 ,maximum amount ,the amount of a direct loan under this subsection shall be not more than #ej1jjj4 7f7 ,guaranteed loans 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may guarantee a loan under subsections 7a77#b77;,a7 and 7g7 of section #caj;,b of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #aicb7 to an eligible entity that verifies that the amounts under the loan will be used for-- 7,a7 the purpose described in subsection 7c72 and 7,b7 any of the uses described in paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#aj7 of that subsection4 7#b7 ,requirements ,notwithstanding any otherwise applicable requirements under subsections 7a77#b77;,a7 and 7g7 of section #caj;,b of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #aicb71 the following provisions shall apply to guaranteed loans under this subsection3 7,a7 ,nonapplicability of rural requirements ,the ,secretary shall guarantee loans under this subsection without regard to any requirement under any other provision of law that an eligible entity be located in1 or serve1 a rural area4 7,b7 #a-time fee ,notwithstanding section #caj;,b7g77#e7 of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #aicb7;g77#e771 the ,secretary may assess a #a-time fee for a guaranteed loan under this subsection in an amount that does not exceed #a percent of the guaranteed principal portion of the loan4 7,c7 ,maximum amount ,the amount of a loan guarantee under this subsection shall be not more than-- 7i7 #ajj percent of the amount of a loan that is not more than #e1jjj1jjj2 and 7ii7 #ij percent of the amount of a loan that is more than #e1jjj1jjj and not more than #be1jjj1jjj4 7,d7 ,limitation ,the ,secretary shall not guarantee a loan under this subsection that is more than #be1jjj1jjj4 7,e7 ,interest rate ,the interest rate for a loan guaranteed under this subsection shall be not more than #d percent4 7,f7 ,other fees ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,b71 the ,secretary shall waive any otherwise applicable fees for a loan guaranteed under this subsection1 including-- 7i7 an initial guarantee fee 7other than the fee described in subparagraph 7,b77 that is paid at the time the loan note guarantee is issued2 7ii7 an annual renewal fee on the outstanding balance of a loan guarantee2 and 7iii7 any customary borrower or lender fees4 7,g7 ,working capital loans ,in the case of a guaranteed loan under this subsection for the financing of working capital-- 7i7 the ,secretary shall waive any otherwise applicable collateral requirements2 and 7ii7 the maximum term of the loan shall be #aj years4 7,h7 ,underwriting requirements ,the ,secretary shall waive the following underwriting requirements for loans guaranteed under this subsection3 7i7 ,any required feasibility studies by independent consultants4 7ii7 ,any requirements for applicants to provide a tangible balance sheet equity position of #aj percent or more for existing businesses at loan closing or project completion4 7g7 ,technical assistance grants ,the ,secretary shall award competitive grants to land-grant colleges and universities1 local offices of the ,cooperative ,extension ,system1 ,state departments of agriculture1 and other technical service providers to provide to eligible entities technical assistance1 rapid training1 and outreach to develop new food products or adjust business models to respond to the ,,covid-#ai emergency4 7h7 ,expiration of authority ,the authority of the ,secretary to provide a grant1 direct loan1 or guaranteed loan under this section shall remain available until the date on which the ,,covid-#ai emergency is lifted4 7i7 ,funding 7#a7 ,in general ,of the funds of the ,commodity ,credit ,corporation1 the ,secretary shall use #e1ejj1jjj1jjj to carry out this section4 7#b7 ,grants ,of the amount made available under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall use #b1jjj1jjj1jjj to provide grants under subsection 7d74 7#c7 ,rapid response direct loans ,of the amount made available under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall use #a1jjj1jjj1jjj to provide direct loans under subsection 7e74 7#d7 ,guaranteed loans ,of the amount made available under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall use #b1ejj1jjj1jjj to guarantee loans under subsection 7f74 7#e7 ,technical assistance grants ,of the amount made available under paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretary shall use #e percent to carry out subsection 7g74 #f4 ,administration 7a7 ,in general ,the administration of this ,act1 including the promulgation of regulations to carry out this ,act1 shall be without regard to-- 7#a7 the notice and comment provisions of section #eec of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code2 and 7#b7 chapter #ce of title #dd1 ,united ,states ,code4 7b7 ,authorities ,the authorities in this ,act are in addition to other authorities of1 and amounts administered by1 the ,secretary4