This bill significantly strengthens and extends the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) by reauthorizing commodity availability through fiscal year 2030. It allocates an additional $500,000,000 for commodity purchases for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030, ensuring a consistent food supply. The legislation also doubles funding for TEFAP storage and distribution costs to $200,000,000 and extends authorization for Emergency Food Program infrastructure grants through 2030. A key new provision addresses geographically isolated states , such as Hawaii, Alaska, and U.S. territories, by mandating alternative commodity delivery options and allowing access to the Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. These states may also receive the cash value of up to 20% of allocated commodities to procure domestically grown food. Furthermore, the bill permits the Secretary to consider factors beyond the lowest price, like product variety and transportation distance, when contracting for fresh produce packages, while prioritizing nutritious food availability.
This bill significantly strengthens and extends the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) by reauthorizing commodity availability through fiscal year 2030. It allocates an additional $500,000,000 for commodity purchases for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030, ensuring a consistent food supply. The legislation also doubles funding for TEFAP storage and distribution costs to $200,000,000 and extends authorization for Emergency Food Program infrastructure grants through 2030. A key new provision addresses geographically isolated states , such as Hawaii, Alaska, and U.S. territories, by mandating alternative commodity delivery options and allowing access to the Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. These states may also receive the cash value of up to 20% of allocated commodities to procure domestically grown food. Furthermore, the bill permits the Secretary to consider factors beyond the lowest price, like product variety and transportation distance, when contracting for fresh produce packages, while prioritizing nutritious food availability.