Farmers to Families Act
Sponsored By: Representative Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14]
Introduced
Summary
Expand WIC and cash-value benefits for fresh, local foods. The bill would let WIC participants and other recipients use cash-value benefit funds and coupons to buy fresh, local, unprepared foods from covered agricultural entities. It would also modernize Electronic Benefits Transfer payments so those producers can accept benefits with a single device and a regulated list of qualified payment devices.
Show full summary
- Families and WIC participants: Would allow cash-value benefit funds and coupons to buy fresh, local unprepared foods, including pre-order boxes, from covered agricultural entities once programs adopt the change within 18 months.
- Farmers and market operators: Would automatically authorize each farmer as a covered agricultural entity for the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program and expand eligible outlets. It would create a Technical Assistance Center within 18 months to train and support farmers and market operators.
- State agencies and USDA: Would require a single Electronic Benefits Transfer access device and a qualified payment device list for EBT acceptance, with state-level implementation within 18 months. USDA would also build a WIC administrative support portal within 90 days to centralize producer applications and guidance.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
More local WIC shopping options
If enacted, the bill would expand where WIC and FMNP benefits can be used. FMNP benefits would work at covered agricultural sellers such as food hubs, farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture, and each farmer would be automatically authorized for FMNP upon enactment. Within 18 months, WIC cash-value benefits and coupons would also be allowed to buy fresh, local, unprepared foods (including pre-order boxes) from covered agricultural entities as defined in the Act.
Modern EBT and payment devices
If enacted, within 18 months States would put WIC cash-value and coupon funds on the State EBT system so participants could access both fund types with their EBT access device. The USDA would issue rules and a list of qualified single payment devices that can accept EBT without extra equipment, and States would require community-supported agriculture sellers to use those approved devices.
Support portal and training for farmers
If enacted, the USDA would post a single online portal within 90 days for producers to apply to sell to WIC and FMNP and to get guidance. Within 18 months, USDA would set up a Technical Assistance Center by competitive agreement to train farmers and market operators on eligibility, applications, accepting EBT and other payment devices, and best practices. The Center must report to the Secretary and Congress within 2 years and annually after.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14]
IL • D
Cosponsors
Van Drew
NJ • R
Sponsored 12/17/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov