119th (2025–2027)
S. 4866
The Farmers' Market Local Revitalization Act of 2026 significantly expands federal support for farmers' market nutrition programs serving seniors, low-income families, and mothers with young children. The bill increases funding for the senior farmers' market nutrition program from $20.6 million to $75 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031, plus an additional $25 million per year for benefit enhancements, while also boosting the women, infants, and children farmers' market program funding to $30 million annually for the same period. Key improvements include raising minimum benefits to $35 for seniors and $35 to $60 for WIC participants, allowing benefits to be used at community supported agriculture and food hubs in addition to traditional farmers' markets, and supporting a transition to electronic payment systems compatible with other federal nutrition programs. The legislation reserves at least 10 percent of funds for new participating states and territories, allocates up to $25 million annually for technical assistance to modernize farmers' market infrastructure, and requires the Department of Agriculture to study how to better integrate these programs and submit a report to Congress within one year.