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DelawareSB 53153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)Senate

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 3 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE FARM TO COMMUNITY PROGRAM.

Sponsored By: Gerald W. Hocker (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Local food help with outlet checks

The law establishes Delaware’s Farm to Community Program to support local food access, including free and discounted food through community outlets. The agriculture department runs it with the Farm and Food Council; outlets need a site visit, state approval, safe food-handling capacity, and an active agreement. The state checks whom outlets serve, including underserved groups, enforces food-safety standards, and provides technical help. Operations depend on funding: the law allows state appropriations, federal money, grants, donations, and business partnerships, but guarantees no amount; the department must seek federal aid if USDA restarts Local Food Purchase Assistance or creates a replacement. Each growing season, public reports must show participating outlet and farmer counts, distribution-site counts and locations, and the total dollar value of food purchased.

Food grants prioritize Delaware farms

Approved outlets with active agreements can get grants to buy, gather, store, and distribute local food within Delaware, including home deliveries and gleaned second- and third-harvest produce. Grants can also support extra fixed-rate payments to farmers who collect food from farms they do not operate and deliver it to participating outlets or sites; no grant amount or payment rate is set. Food can come from Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Virginia, including fresh, lightly processed, and value-added foods. Outlets must spend first on Delaware sources, unless the needed type or quantity is unavailable or inaccessible in-state; added overhead cannot exceed 10% of program funds. Outlets can use subcontracts and subawards to carry out their agreements, following agriculture department rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Gerald W. Hocker

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Alonna Berry

    Democratic • House

  • William J. Carson

    Democratic • House

  • Ronald E. Gray

    Republican • House

  • Debra Heffernan

    Democratic • House

  • Kyra L. Hoffner

    Democratic • Senate

  • Russell Huxtable

    Democratic • Senate

  • Kendra Johnson

    Democratic • House

  • Larry Lambert

    Democratic • House

  • Dave G. Lawson

    Republican • Senate

  • Brian Pettyjohn

    Republican • Senate

  • Marie Pinkney

    Democratic • Senate

  • David L. Wilson

    Republican • Senate

  • Lyndon D. Yearick

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 60 • No: 0

House vote • 6/30/2026

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/11/2026

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 20 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor

    9/16/2026Governor

  2. Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 ABSENT

    6/30/2026House

  3. Reported Out of Committee (Agriculture) in House with 6 Favorable, 3 On Its Merits

    6/17/2026House

  4. Assigned to Agriculture Committee in House

    6/11/2026House

  5. Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT

    6/11/2026Senate

  6. Reported Out of Committee (Agriculture) in Senate with 6 Favorable

    6/10/2026Senate

  7. Introduced and Assigned to Agriculture Committee in Senate

    5/19/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Current

    5/19/2026

    HTML

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