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[Congressional Bills 112th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4351 Introduced in House (IH)]

112th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                H. R. 4351

 To provide assistance and opportunity for the creation and support of 
 sustainable agriculture activities in America's cities and to improve 
                access to nutrition in America's cities.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             April 16, 2012

 Ms. Fudge (for herself, Ms. Norton, Mr. Davis of Illinois, Mr. Clarke 
  of Michigan, Mr. Rangel, Ms. Kaptur, Mr. Baca, Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. 
 Kucinich, Mr. Clay, Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas, Mr. Rush, Mr. 
   Thompson of Mississippi, Ms. Jackson Lee of Texas, Mr. Holt, Mr. 
  Cleaver, Ms. Richardson, Mr. Ellison, Ms. Sewell, Mr. Carnahan, Mr. 
Quigley, Ms. Pingree of Maine, and Mr. Lewis of Georgia) introduced the 
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and 
  in addition to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, for a 
 period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for 
consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the 
                          committee concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL

 
 To provide assistance and opportunity for the creation and support of 
 sustainable agriculture activities in America's cities and to improve 
                access to nutrition in America's cities.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Let's Grow Act of 
2012''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is the 
following:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
         TITLE I--IMPROVING ACCESS TO FRESH AND NUTRITIOUS FOOD

Sec. 101. Healthy corner store initiative.
Sec. 102. Virtual farmers' markets.
Sec. 103. Local food insecurity assessments: assessing the unique 
                            nutritional needs of local communities.
Sec. 104. Extension of pilot projects to evaluate health and nutrition 
                            promotion in the supplemental nutrition 
                            assistance program.
Sec. 105. Fresh incentive program.
Sec. 106. EBT farmers market accessability program.
Sec. 107. Farm-to-preschool program.
Sec. 108. Expanding and Improving the Affordability and Nutritional 
                            Integrity of the USDA Fresh Fruit and 
                            Vegetable Program.
      TITLE II--CREATION OF THE HEALTHY FOOD FINANCING INITIATIVE

Sec. 201. Purpose and definitions.
Sec. 202. Establishment of Healthy Food Financing Initiative and 
                            eligible projects.
Sec. 203. Duties of Secretary.
Sec. 204. National fund manager.
Sec. 205. Allocation and use of funds.
Sec. 206. Partnerships.
Sec. 207. Evaluation and monitoring.
Sec. 208. Administrative provisions.
Sec. 209. Authorization of appropriations.
        TITLE III--DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE URBAN AGRICULTURE

Sec. 301. Community gardening grant program.
Sec. 302. Grants for conversion of abandoned and foreclosed property to 
                            urban agricultural uses.
Sec. 303. Expansion of HarvestCorps program.
Sec. 304. Acquisition of publically owned land and conversion to urban 
                            farms and community gardens.
Sec. 305. Urban agricultural workforce training pilot program.
Sec. 306. Urban agriculture development grants program.
Sec. 307. Clean and safe drinking water for urban areas and waterways.
Sec. 308. Extension of assistance to socially disadvantaged urban 
                            farmers and ranchers.
Sec. 309. Urban entrepreneur and microenterprise assistance program.
Sec. 310. Local farm business and market garden competitive loan 
                            program.
                      TITLE IV--ERADICATING HUNGER

Sec. 401. Weekends and holidays without hunger.
Sec. 402. Expansion and modernization of the commodity supplemental 
                            food program.
Sec. 403. Expansion and modernization of the emergency food assistance 
                            program.
Sec. 404. Food bank equipment and technology program.
                           TITLE V--GO GREEN

Sec. 501. Green and Sustainable Schools, Museums, and Libraries Grant 
                            Program.

         TITLE I--IMPROVING ACCESS TO FRESH AND NUTRITIOUS FOOD

SEC. 101. HEALTHY CORNER STORE INITIATIVE.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall carry out a 
program, to be known as the Green and Healthy Corner Store Initiative, 
of awarding grants to units of general local government, nonprofit 
organizations, and tribal governments to assist qualified convenience 
stores to expand and sustain their offering of fruits and vegetables.
    (b) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary 
shall give priority to applicants proposing to provide assistance to 
qualified convenience stores in low-income communities.
    (c) Assistance.--Assistance provided to a qualified convenience 
store pursuant to this section may include the following:
            (1) Seed money for the purchase of fruits and vegetables 
        and for equipment needed to sell fruits and vegetables, such as 
        but not limited to refrigerators.
            (2) Seed money for converting to energy-saving equipment, 
        such as but not limited to energy-efficient lighting and 
        refrigerators and a ductless HVAC system, to minimize the 
        additional energy costs associated with the refrigeration 
        needed to stock fruits and vegetables.
            (3) Educational tools and information on the importance of 
        fresh fruits and vegetables.
            (4) Simple recipes to assist customers in healthy food 
        preparation.
    (d) Requirements for Convenience Stores.--As a condition on receipt 
of funds under this section, a grantee shall agree to ensure that any 
qualified convenience store receiving assistance through the grant 
will--
            (1) maintain its expanded offering of fruits and vegetables 
        for a minimum time to be determined by the Secretary;
            (2) limit the number of its advertisements for alcoholic 
        beverages and cigarettes and offer at least an equal amount of 
        advertising for fruits and vegetables;
            (3) place advertisements for fruits and vegetables 
        prominently in the front of the store;
            (4) advertise that the store is participating in the Green 
        and Healthy Corner Store Initiative; and
            (5) work to partner with rural and urban farmers markets to 
        obtain fruits and vegetables for sale.
    (e) Cooperation Among Stores To Decrease Prices.--The Secretary 
shall encourage grant recipients under this section to encourage 
qualified convenience stores receiving assistance through the grant to 
combine efforts with other convenience stores when ordering fruits and 
vegetables from distributors in an effort to decrease the price of such 
goods.
    (f) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) The term ``Bureau-funded school'' has the meaning given 
        to such term in section 1141 of the Education Amendments of 
        1978 (25 U.S.C. 2021).
            (2) The terms ``elementary school'', ``local educational 
        agency'', and ``secondary school'' have the meanings given to 
        such terms in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary 
        Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
            (3) The term ``low-income communities'' includes--
                    (A) communities with a high percentage of children 
                eligible for free and reduced priced lunches under the 
                Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 
                1751 et seq.); and
                    (B) any other communities determined by the 
                Secretary to be low-income for purposes of this 
                section.
            (4) The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of 
        Agriculture.
            (5) The term ``qualified convenience store'' means a 
        convenience store located within a quarter mile of an 
        elementary school or a secondary school that is a public school 
        or a Bureau-funded school.

SEC. 102. VIRTUAL FARMERS' MARKETS.

    (a) Establishment of Grant Program.--From the amounts appropriated 
to carry out this section, the Secretary of Agriculture shall award 
grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities to enable such 
entities to carry out a program that provides access to farmers' 
markets to communities that are food deserts.
    (b) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity receiving a grant under this 
section shall use such funds for the following:
            (1) Purchasing virtual farmers market software (including 
        computer kiosks and swipe card stations), or entering into a 
        contract with an eligible organization to develop and maintain 
        the technology necessary, to carry out a virtual farmers market 
        program to enable individuals and organizations in communities 
        that are food deserts to order and purchase fruits and 
        vegetables and other healthy food items using such technology.
            (2) Training staff to--
                    (A) assist individuals and organizations in 
                communities that are food deserts to order and purchase 
                food products under the program described in paragraph 
                (1); and
                    (B) purchase and order food products under the 
                program for the eligible entity.
            (3) Packaging food products purchased under the program in 
        manner that makes transportation of the products possible by 
        foot.
            (4) Paying staff to manage the program, and package and 
        assist in the distribution and delivery of food products 
        purchased under the program.
            (5) Raising public awareness about the program.
            (6) Developing simple food preparation strategies and menus 
        for customers of the program.
            (7) Coordinating with the Secretary of Agriculture to 
        develop mechanisms to enable reimbursement under the 
        supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the 
        Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) for 
        purchases made under the program.
            (8) Purchasing or rehabilitating buses, including buses 
        that were formerly used as school buses, that may be used to 
        transport to the eligible entity--
                    (A) the foods ordered and purchased under the 
                program using the technology described in paragraph 
                (1); or
                    (B) other fruits and vegetables that meet the 
                requirements of subsection (e) in order to provide 
                additional opportunities for individuals and 
                organizations in communities that are food deserts to 
                purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables.
    (c) Application.--In order to receive a grant under this section, 
an eligible entity shall submit an application to the Secretary at such 
time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary 
may require.
    (d) Grant Amount.--A grant awarded under this section may not be 
greater than $10,000.
    (e) Limitations on Food Purchased.--To the extent practicable, the 
majority of food purchased under a virtual farmers market program 
carried out by an eligible entity under this section shall be from 
farmers located within a 50 mile radius of the site where the food is 
ordered and delivered under the program, except in the case where the 
eligible entity demonstrates to the Secretary that no such farmers 
exist or that the farmers are not able to provide a sufficient variety 
or amount of food for the purposes of the program.
    (f) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the first fiscal year for 
which funds are appropriated to carry out this section, the Secretary 
shall report to Congress on the progress made in carrying out programs 
funded by grants under this section, including--
            (1) the number of individuals served by such programs and 
        the barriers and opportunities for additional such programs; 
        and
            (2) how such programs have increased access or encouraged 
        permanent farmers markets to be established near communities 
        that are food deserts.
    (g) Definitions.--In this section--
            (1) Bureau-funded school.--The term ``bureau-funded 
        school'' has the meaning given such term in section 1146 of the 
        Education Amendments of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 2026).
            (2) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means an 
        entity that predominantly serves communities that are food 
        deserts, including--
                    (A) a local educational agency or bureau-funded 
                school;
                    (B) a nonprofit, community-based organization or 
                entity (including a park and recreation department, 
                recreation center, child care facility, or senior 
                center);
                    (C) a convenience store; or
                    (D) other entity that the Secretaries deem to be an 
                eligible entity.
            (3) Eligible organization.--The term ``eligible 
        organization'' means an organization with expertise in 
        developing and maintaining a virtual farmers market.
            (4) Local educational agency.--The term ``local educational 
        agency'' has the meaning given such term in section 9101 of the 
        Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
        7801).
            (5) Food desert.--The term ``food desert'' has the meaning 
        given such term in section 7527(a) of the Food, Conservation, 
        and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-234).
            (6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
        of Agriculture.
            (7) Swipe card stations.--The term ``swipe card stations'' 
        shall include support for the use of electronic benefit 
        transfer cards.
            (8) Virtual farmers market.--The term ``virtual farmers 
        market'' means an online grocery store that enables individuals 
        to purchase foods from local farms and distributors.

SEC. 103. LOCAL FOOD INSECURITY ASSESSMENTS: ASSESSING THE UNIQUE 
              NUTRITIONAL NEEDS OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall 
establish a 3-year pilot program to award grants to local and tribal 
governments, on a competitive basis, to allow such local and tribal 
governments, in partnership with the local community organizations 
under subsection (e), to--
            (1) conduct a food security assessment; and
            (2) make an inventory of the system in order to identify 
        the strengths and gaps in such system.
    (b) Data Points for Assessment.--For purposes of conducting an 
Assessment and making an inventory under a grant under subsection (a), 
with respect to the community served by a local or tribal government, 
such government shall examine the following food security and food 
system issues in the community: 
            (1) The prevalence of childhood obesity.
            (2) The availability of safe routes to school for children.
            (3) The quality of food served in school and child care 
        settings.
            (4) The availability of supermarkets.
            (5) The cost and availability of fresh fruits and 
        vegetables.
            (6) The concentration of convenience stores, and other food 
        vendors that sell a disproportionate amount of foods that are 
        not fresh fruits and vegetables.
            (7) The availability of products.
            (8) The concentration of fast food restaurants.
            (9) The availability of green space or recreation areas, 
        and the extent to which such space or areas encourage physical 
        activity by adults and children.
            (10) Any other issues determined to be relevant by the 
        local or tribal government.
            (11) Any other issues determined to be relevant by the 
        Secretary of Health and Human Services.
    (c) Number of Sites.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services, 
in awarding grants under subsection (a), shall award grants to no more 
than--
            (1) 20 local governments; and
            (2) 5 tribal governments.
    (d) Priority.--In awarding grants under subsection (a), the 
Secretary of Health and Human Services shall give priority to those 
local and tribal governments that serve communities with the highest 
concentrations of poverty.
    (e) Requirement of Partnerships.--In order to qualify for a grant 
under subsection (a), a local or tribal government shall demonstrate, 
to the satisfaction of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, that 
the local or tribal government has entered into a partnership (for the 
purpose of conducting an assessment and making an inventory under 
subsection (a)) with at least one of the following local community 
organizations:
            (1) A nonprofit community-based organization or entity.
            (2) A developer or urban planning institution.
            (3) An accredited college or university.

SEC. 104. EXTENSION OF PILOT PROJECTS TO EVALUATE HEALTH AND NUTRITION 
              PROMOTION IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE 
              PROGRAM.

    Section 17(k)(5)(A) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
2036(k)(5)(A)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 105. FRESH INCENTIVE PROGRAM.

    (a) Establishment of Program.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall 
provide assistance, through competitive matching grants and technical 
assistance, to eligible entities for a Fresh Incentive Program that--
            (1) improves access to local and regional nutritious, 
        affordable fruits and vegetables to low-income consumers 
        participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program 
        by providing a monetary incentive for the purchase of eligible 
        foods through programs that link consumers with American 
        farmers through farmers markets, grocery stores, corner stores, 
        mobile markets, Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) and 
        other food retailers,
            (2) is designed to--
                    (A) improve the nutritional health of low-income 
                participants in USDA nutrition assistance programs by 
                encouraging the consumption of domestic fruits and 
                vegetables,
                    (B) improve the food environments in food deserts 
                by stimulating demand for domestic fruits and 
                vegetables,
                    (C) increase market opportunities for American 
                specialty crop farmers,
                    (D) develop a sustained connection between USDA 
                nutrition assistance programs and USDA agriculture 
                marketing and development programs,
                    (E) increase local farm income,
                    (F) reduce reliance on imported fresh fruits and 
                vegetables, and
                    (G) decrease healthcare costs resulting from diet-
                related health conditions including diabetes and 
                obesity.
            (3) makes grants to eligible entities that include--
                    (A) nonprofit organizations that have a 
                demonstrated track record designing and implementing 
                successful nutrition incentive programs connecting low-
                income consumers and family farmers,
                    (B) State and local agencies including Indian 
                Tribal Organizations, agricultural producer groups, and 
                community health organizations, and
                    (C) other entities that the Secretary determines 
                offer a unique ability to provide services for the 
                Fresh Incentive Program,
            (4) provides to eligible foods including--
                    (A) fresh, locally or regionally produced fruit and 
                vegetables that are fresh produce raised, produced, and 
                distributed in--
                            (i) the locality or region in which the 
                        final product is marketed, so that the total 
                        distance that the product is transported is 
                        less than 400 miles from the origin of the 
                        product, or
                            (ii) the State in which the product is 
                        produced,
            (5) provides that the Federal share of costs for a project 
        funded through a grant awarded under this subsection shall not 
        exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the project, except 
        that--
                    (A) as a condition of receiving a grant under this 
                subsection, a grant recipient shall provide matching 
                support in the form of cash or in-kind contributions, 
                including facilities, equipment, or services provided 
                by State and local governments, nonprofit 
                organizations, community development organizations, and 
                private sources; and
                    (B) grantees may use Federal nutrition education 
                and outreach funds as a match for a grant under this 
                subsection in order to maximize the effectiveness of 
                the programs,
            (6) provides that the maximum extent practicable, in 
        providing assistance under this subsection, the Secretary shall 
        give the highest priority to funding projects that, as 
        determined by the Secretary--
                    (A) will make locally and regionally produced fresh 
                fruits and vegetables available in underserved, low-
                income communities,
                    (B) have a the likelihood of increasing nutrition 
                program recipient purchases and consumption of fresh, 
                nutritious food,
                    (C) demonstrate collaboration between farmers and 
                agricultural producer groups, local nongovernmental and 
                community-based organizations, local and State 
                government agencies, and food retailers,
                    (D) include effective and efficient technologies 
                for benefit redemption systems that can--
                            (i) accommodate multiple nutrition benefit 
                        instruments, and
                            (ii) provide a model for state and local 
                        entities to replicate, and
                    (E) include a thorough program evaluation component 
                that measures--
                            (i) impacts on nutrition program 
                        participants' food purchasing and consumption 
                        behavior,
                            (ii) the effectiveness of and participation 
                        in nutrition education and outreach programs,
                            (iii) the effect on farmer income,
                            (iv) the economic effects on participating 
                        food retailers,
                            (v) the overall change in food environment 
                        of participating communities, and
                            (vi) such other outcomes that the Secretary 
                        deems useful.
    (b) Funding.--Beginning one year after enactment of this bill, the 
Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Secretary of 
Agriculture to carry out this subsection $70,000,000 each fiscal year, 
to remain available until expended.
    (c) Other Considerations.--The Secretary shall determine the 
maximum number of grants, the maximum and minimum amounts of grants 
made, and the duration of grants.

SEC. 106. EBT FARMERS MARKET ACCESSABILITY PROGRAM.

    (a) Authority for Program.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall 
develop and carry out a program to make grants to entities that operate 
farmers markets in urban areas for the purchase of equipment and to 
finance the installation of equipment necessary to operate EBT systems 
at farmers markets.
    (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of the 
fiscal years in the 8-year period beginning on the October 1 of the 
first fiscal year that begins after the date of the enactment of this 
Act.

SEC. 107. FARM-TO-PRESCHOOL PROGRAM.

    (a) Authority for Program.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall 
develop and carry out a grant program to make grants to community-based 
and nonprofit organizations to develop a Farm-to-Preschool program that 
fosters the connection between preschools, Head Start programs, 
childcare or daycare centers, kindergarten readiness programs in K-12 
school districts, and in-home care facilities, with small- or medium-
sized agricultural producers, for the purposes of--
            (1) developing an industry-leading preschool nutrition 
        education and meal program designed to help prevent the onset 
        of childhood obesity and develop foundational healthy eating 
        and lifestyle habits,
            (2) creating nutritious and healthy made-from-scratch meals 
        and menus using recipes that include mostly locally grown and 
        produced organic foods,
            (3) developing recipes and menus that will serve as a tool 
        for parent awareness, access to healthy food, food preparation, 
        and eating, and engagement in nutrition education,
            (4) developing experiential educational curricula centered 
        around farms, farmers' markets, and school gardens for parents 
        and children,
            (5) replicating ``Farm-to-Preschool'' parent awareness and 
        engagement in nutrition education, healthy eating and food 
        preparation nationally,
            (6) supporting local and regional agriculture communities, 
        and
            (7) promoting the institutionalization of preschool 
        wellness policies.
    (b) Availability and Use of Grants.--The Secretary shall make 
grants under subsection (a)--
            (1) to be used--
                    (A) to support the initial costs of implementing a 
                new, or expanding an existing, Farm-to-Preschool 
                program,
                    (B) in an amount not to exceed $500,000 to support 
                the training and access to resources and information 
                necessary to conduct a successful Farm-to-Preschool 
                program, or
                    (C) in an amount not to exceed $100,000 to support 
                the cost of conducting research, identifying resources, 
                and developing partnerships to design a successful and 
                sustainable Farm-to-Preschool program,
            (2) to eligible entities that agree to provide, in cash or 
        in kind, not less that 20 percent of the cost of the use for 
        which the respective grants are made, and
            (3) to achieve to the maximum extent practicable 
        geographical diversity and grantee participation in urban, 
        rural and tribal communities.
    (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated for fiscal years 2013, 2014, and 2015 in the aggregate 
$10,000,000.

SEC. 108. EXPANDING AND IMPROVING THE AFFORDABILITY AND NUTRITIONAL 
              INTEGRITY OF THE USDA FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PROGRAM.

    Subsection (b) of section 19 of the Richard B. Russell National 
School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769a(b)) is amended to read as follows:
    ``(b) Program.--A school participating in the program--
            ``(1) shall make free fruits and vegetables available to 
        students throughout the school day (or at such other times as 
        are considered appropriate by the Secretary) in 1 or more areas 
        designated by the school; and
            ``(2) may make free fruits and vegetables in any other form 
        (such as fresh, frozen, dried, pureed, or canned) available to 
        students throughout the school day (or at such other times as 
        are considered appropriate by the Secretary) in 1 or more areas 
        designated by the school only if such fruits and vegetables 
        meet any additional nutrition specifications, as established by 
        the Secretary.''.

      TITLE II--CREATION OF THE HEALTHY FOOD FINANCING INITIATIVE

SEC. 201. PURPOSE AND DEFINITIONS.

    (a) Purpose.--The purpose of the Healthy Food Financing Initiative 
is to improve access to healthy foods in underserved areas, to create 
and preserve quality jobs, and to revitalize low-income communities by 
providing loans and grants to retailers of fresh and healthy food to 
overcome the higher costs and initial barriers to entry in underserved 
urban, suburban, and rural areas.
    (b) Definitions.--In this title:
            (1) Community development financial institution.--The term 
        ``community development financial institution'' has the meaning 
        given the term in section 103 of the Community Development 
        Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994 (12 U.S.C. 
        4702).
            (2) Food access organization.--The term ``food access 
        organization'' means a nonprofit organization with expertise in 
        improving access to healthy food in underserved communities.
            (3) Initiative.--The term ``Initiative'' means the Healthy 
        Food Financing Initiative.
            (4) Local funds.--The term ``local funds'' means the 
        allocation of national funds and any other forms of financial 
        assistance (including grants, loans, and equity investments) 
        that are raised by partnerships to carry out the purposes of 
        the Initiative.
            (5) National funds.--The term ``national funds'' means 
        amounts appropriated to carry out the Initiative and any other 
        forms of financial assistance (including grants, loans, and 
        equity investments) that are raised by the national fund 
        manager to carry out the Initiative.
            (6) National fund manager.--The term ``national fund 
        manager'' means a community development financial institution 
        in existence as of the date of enactment of this Act and 
        certified by the Community Development Financial Institutions 
        Fund of the Department of the Treasury that is designated by 
        the Secretary to manage the Initiative for purposes of--
                    (A) raising private capital;
                    (B) providing financial and technical assistance to 
                partnerships; and
                    (C) funding eligible projects directly at the 
                request of partnerships to attract retailers of fresh 
                and healthy food to underserved urban, suburban, and 
                rural areas in accordance with this title.
            (7) Partnership.--
                    (A) In general.--The term ``partnership'' means a 
                regional, State, or local public and private 
                partnership that is organized to improve access to 
                fresh and healthy foods by providing financial and 
                technical assistance to eligible projects.
                    (B) Inclusions.--The term includes--
                            (i) an unit of State, local, or tribal 
                        government or a quasi-public State or local 
                        government agency;
                            (ii) a food access or community health 
                        organization committed to improving access to 
                        healthy foods;
                            (iii) a community development financial 
                        institution or other organization that is 
                        capable of administering a loan and grant 
                        program in accordance with this title; and
                            (iv) other organizations interested in 
                        improving access to healthy foods in 
                        underserved areas.
            (8) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
        of Agriculture.

SEC. 202. ESTABLISHMENT OF HEALTHY FOOD FINANCING INITIATIVE AND 
              ELIGIBLE PROJECTS.

    (a) Establishment.--There is established in the Department of 
Agriculture a Healthy Food Financing Initiative.
    (b) Management.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary shall select and enter into a grant 
agreement with a national fund manager that will be responsible for the 
management of the Initiative.
    (c) Eligible Projects.--
            (1) Eligibility criteria.--Subject to the requirements of 
        this section, the national fund manager shall establish the 
        eligibility criteria for projects to be assisted by the 
        Initiative.
            (2) Required project elements.--To be eligible to receive 
        assistance through the Initiative, a project shall--
                    (A) include a supermarket, grocery store, farmers' 
                market, or other retailer of fresh and healthy food;
                    (B) consist of a for-profit business enterprise, a 
                member- or worker-owned cooperative, or a nonprofit 
                organization;
                    (C) meet the eligibility criteria established under 
                this section;
                    (D) continue to be a viable business enterprise 
                with a financial viability plan;
                    (E) require an investment of public funding to move 
                forward and be competitive;
                    (F) operate on a self-service basis;
                    (G) expand or preserve the availability of healthy, 
                fresh, high quality unprepared and unprocessed foods, 
                particularly fresh fruits and vegetables, in 
                underserved areas; and
                    (H) agree to accept benefits under the supplemental 
                nutrition assistance program established under the Food 
                and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.).
    (d) Types of Food and Variety Criteria.--
            (1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                    (A) Perishable food.--
                            (i) In general.--The term ``perishable 
                        food'' means food that is fresh, refrigerated, 
                        or frozen.
                            (ii) Exclusion.--The term ``perishable 
                        food'' does not include packaged or canned 
                        goods.
                    (B) Staple food.--
                            (i) In general.--The term ``staple food'' 
                        means food that is a basic dietary item, 
                        including bread, flour, fruits, vegetables, and 
                        meat.
                            (ii) Exclusions.--The term ``staple food'' 
                        does not include snack or accessory food (such 
                        as chips, soda, coffee, condiments, and spices) 
                        or ready-to-eat, prepared food.
                    (C) Variety.--The term ``variety'' means an 
                assortment of different types of food items.
            (2) In general.--For purposes of complying with the project 
        element specified in subsection (b)(2)(G) to expand or preserve 
        the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables in underserved 
        areas, a project shall maintain a store that--
                    (A) carries a full line of fresh produce, as 
                defined by the national fund manager to reflect 
                differences in project size and overall store size;
                    (B) sells food for home preparation and 
                consumption; and
                    (C) at a minimum--
                            (i) offers for sale at least 3 different 
                        varieties of food in each of the 4 staple food 
                        groups (bread and grains, dairy, fruits and 
                        vegetables, and meat, poultry, and fish), with 
                        perishable food in at least 2 categories, on a 
                        daily basis; or
                            (ii) has a store at which at least 50 
                        percent of the total sales of the store 
                        (including food and nonfood items or services) 
                        are from the sale of eligible staple food.
    (e) Income Criteria.--Each eligible project shall be located in--
            (1) a low- or moderate-income census tract, as determined 
        by the Bureau of the Census of the Department of Commerce;
            (2) a population census tract that is treated as a low-
        income community under section 45D(e) of the Internal Revenue 
        Code of 1986; or
            (3) an area that significantly serves an adjacent area that 
        meets the criteria described in paragraph (1) or (2), as 
        approved by the national fund manager.
    (f) Underserved Criteria.--
            (1) In general.--Each eligible project shall be located in 
        an underserved area, as determined by the partnerships 
        according to criteria established by the national fund manager.
            (2) Factors.--In determining whether an area is an 
        underserved area, the following factors shall be taken into 
        consideration:
                    (A) Population density.
                    (B) Below average supermarket density or sales.
                    (C) Car ownership.
                    (D) Geographical or physical barriers, such as 
                highways, mountains, major parks, bodies of water, or 
                areas with large amounts of vacant lots or foreclosed 
                properties.
            (3) Locations.--On an annual basis, the national fund 
        manager shall collect data and publish maps that show the 
        location of underserved areas.
    (g) Priority Projects.--
            (1) In general.--Priority shall be given to projects that--
                    (A) are located in severely distressed low-income 
                communities, as defined by the Community Development 
                Financial Institutions Fund of the Department of the 
                Treasury; and
                    (B) include 1 or more of the following 
                characteristics:
                            (i) The project will create or retain 
                        quality jobs in the community, as determined in 
                        accordance with paragraph (2).
                            (ii) The project has community support in 
                        terms of store quality, affordability, site 
                        location, and coordination with local community 
                        plans or other programs promoting community and 
                        economic development.
                            (iii) The project supports regional food 
                        systems and locally grown foods, to the extent 
                        available.
                            (iv) In major metropolitan areas, the 
                        project is associated with a transit-oriented 
                        development project.
                            (v) In areas with public transit, the 
                        project is accessible by public transit.
                            (vi) The project involves the reuse of a 
                        building that is listed in or eligible for the 
                        National Register of Historic Places.
                            (vii) The project involves a brownfield or 
                        grayfield (as those terms are used in the 
                        Comprehensive Environmental Response, 
                        Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 
                        U.S.C. 9601 et seq.)).
                            (viii) The estimated energy consumption of 
                        the project, calculated using building energy 
                        software approved by the Department of Energy, 
                        will qualify the project for designation under 
                        the Energy Star program established by section 
                        324A of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act 
                        (42 U.S.C. 6294a).
                            (ix) The project involves women- and 
                        minority-owned businesses.
            (2) Quality jobs.--For purposes of paragraph (1)(B)(i), a 
        quality job is a job that--
                    (A) provides wages that are comparable to or better 
                than similar positions in existing businesses of 
                similar size in similar local economies;
                    (B) offers benefits that are comparable to or 
                better than what is offered for similar positions in 
                existing local businesses of similar size in similar 
                local economies; and
                    (C) is targeted for residents of neighborhoods with 
                a high proportion of persons of low income (as that 
                term is defined in section 102(a) of the Housing and 
                Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5302(a))) 
                through local targeted hiring programs.

SEC. 203. DUTIES OF SECRETARY.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall--
            (1) designate a national fund manager to manage national 
        funds;
            (2) oversee the Initiative nationally;
            (3) work closely with the national fund manager--
                    (A) to ensure that funds are used appropriately and 
                in the most effective manner practicable; and
                    (B) to develop the program strategy into a detailed 
                work plan, program, and operating budget;
            (4) review and approve the operating budget for the 
        national fund manager to ensure that the administrative costs 
        are--
                    (A) reasonable (not more than 5 percent of the 
                total budget);
                    (B) connected to the costs of operations; and
                    (C) reflect efficient operations by the national 
                fund manager; and
            (5) make available to the public an annual report, using 
        data obtained from the Department of Agriculture, the 
        Department of Health and Human Services, and the community 
        development financial institutions, that describes the impacts 
        of the Initiative, including tracking health and economic 
        development indicators at the local, State, and national levels 
        to determine the impacts of individual projects and the 
        collective impact in local areas and statewide of funded 
        projects and the Initiative overall.
    (b) Performance Targets.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct financial 
        audits of, and establish performance targets for, the national 
        fund manager, which shall include, at a minimum, the 
        requirements described in this subsection.
            (2) Geographic spread.--Partnerships funded by the 
        Initiative shall be geographically diverse and representative 
        of the underserved areas across the United States.
            (3) Focus on low-income communities.--A substantial portion 
        of the projects funded by partnerships shall serve very low- 
        and low-income communities, as defined by the Bureau of the 
        Census of the Department of Commerce.
            (4) Financial effectiveness of the national fund manager.--
        The national fund manager and any local financial institution 
        involved in a partnership shall demonstrate on-going capacity 
        and timeliness in raising private capital and disbursing funds 
        as required under the Initiative.
            (5) Technical assistance effectiveness of the national fund 
        manager.--The provision of technical assistance by the national 
        fund manager shall be evaluated based on--
                    (A) the responsiveness of the national fund manager 
                to requests for assistance; and
                    (B) the ability of the national fund manager to 
                craft programs that develop needed new capacities in 
                partnerships.
            (6) Impact.--Performance targets shall address the 
        allocation of funds by the national fund manager to 
        partnerships and the tracking and reporting of the impacts of 
        the funds in improving access to fresh, healthy foods and in 
        achieving other related impacts.
    (c) Disbursement of Funds.--The Secretary shall assist in the 
administration of the Initiative by approving the disbursement of funds 
to the national fund manager in a manner that facilitates the 
implementation of the overall Initiative.

SEC. 204. NATIONAL FUND MANAGER.

    (a) Selection of National Fund Manager.--The Secretary shall select 
the national fund manager through a competitive process from among 
community development financial institutions that have a proven and 
recent track record of success and effectiveness in--
            (1) attracting private capital;
            (2) developing and managing programs that provide grants 
        and loans to support supermarkets and other fresh, healthy food 
        retail business enterprises in low- and moderate-income 
        communities, including the development of grocery stores, 
        farmers markets, and other fresh, healthy food retail models;
            (3) making and servicing loans that are similar to loans 
        proposed in the Initiative or having a record of otherwise 
        successfully investing in fresh, healthy food retail 
        development projects;
            (4) effectively managing multiple contracts and 
        subcontractors;
            (5) effectively managing large capital pools, of at least 
        $100,000,000; and
            (6) providing or contracting for the provision of technical 
        assistance.
    (b) Responsibilities of the National Fund Manager.--The designated 
national fund manager shall--
            (1) raise other forms of financial assistance to match or 
        leverage the national funds;
            (2) use administrative funds to develop appropriate 
        training programs and offer technical assistance services to--
                    (A) partnerships;
                    (B) State, local, and tribal governments;
                    (C) the food retail industry; and
                    (D) food access and health advocacy organizations 
                to augment local capacities;
            (3) develop financial products such as loans, grants, and 
        credit enhancement tools that can be used by partnerships to 
        incentivize and support the development and retention of 
        supermarkets and other fresh, healthy food retail in 
        underserved areas;
            (4) award Initiative funds to eligible partnerships through 
        an annual competitive process in accordance with section 
        ___05(d);
            (5) contract with a national food access organization to 
        assist in the review of applications from partnerships and to 
        provide technical assistance to local food access organizations 
        in the proposed partnerships;
            (6) award and disburse funds to partnerships or eligible 
        local projects in a timely manner;
            (7) create and meet performance benchmarks and reporting 
        guidelines, as approved by the Secretary, including for--
                    (A) the amount of capital raised and leveraged from 
                financial institutions, partnerships, and other 
                resources;
                    (B) the geographic diversity of partnerships; and
                    (C) the proportion of projects funded by the 
                partnership that are in severely distressed low-income 
                communities;
            (8) develop program guidelines and operating procedures for 
        the Initiative, including--
                    (A) maximum grant and loan amounts for projects;
                    (B) eligible uses of funds;
                    (C) prudent underwriting criteria;
                    (D) performance targets;
                    (E) reporting guidelines;
                    (F) limits on administrative costs; and
                    (G) implementation milestones;
            (9) monitor the performance of partnerships; and
            (10) collect data, compile information, and conduct such 
        research studies as the national fund manager determines to be 
        relevant to the successful implementation of the Initiative, 
        including--
                    (A) to assess national and local market conditions;
                    (B) to determine barriers to market entry; and
                    (C) to identify opportunities for the development 
                or retention of supermarkets and other fresh, healthy 
                food retail enterprises in underserved communities.
    (c) Work Plan.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 45 days after the date of 
        receipt of an award, the national fund manager shall develop, 
        with guidance from and in consultation with the Secretary, and 
        submit to the Secretary, a detailed work plan.
            (2) Approval required.--The Secretary shall review and 
        approve the work plan, program budget, and administrative costs 
        under subsection (e)(4)(C) prior to entering into an agreement 
        with the national fund manager to administer the Initiative.

SEC. 205. ALLOCATION AND USE OF FUNDS.

    (a) Allocation.--The national fund manager shall--
            (1) allocate at least 70 percent of all funds appropriated 
        for the Initiative for a fiscal year to partnerships that are 
        selected based on the criteria described in subsection (d); and
            (2) retain not more than 30 percent of the funds 
        appropriated for the Initiative for a fiscal year to undertake 
        financing activities described in subsection (c), including a 
        reasonable amount for administrative costs (not to exceed 5 
        percent) approved by the Secretary.
    (b) Use of the National Funds by Partnership Programs.--
            (1) In general.--As a condition on the receipt of funds, 
        each partnership shall use--
                    (A) the national funds received from the national 
                fund manager under subsection (a)(1) to create 1 or 
                more revolving loan programs or other revolving pools 
                of capital or other products to facilitate financing of 
                local projects as determined by the agreement between 
                the partnership and the national fund manager; and
                    (B) any remaining funds for grants, or, as 
                approved, for innovative financing mechanisms.
            (2) Limitations.--
                    (A) In general.--Use of funds for administrative 
                costs and other purposes shall be--
                            (i) limited in accordance with the terms of 
                        the agreement negotiated between the national 
                        fund manager and partnerships;
                            (ii) based on whether administrative costs 
                        are reasonable, connected to the costs of 
                        operation, and reflect efficient operations by 
                        the partnership; and
                            (iii) determined using criteria including 
                        geographic coverage, program duration, and 
                        total funding amount.
                    (B) Goal.--The goal of this paragraph is to limit 
                administrative costs to the maximum extent practicable, 
                but in no case may the amount used for administrative 
                costs exceed 10 percent of the Federal funds allocated.
    (c) Use of the National Funds by the National Fund Manager.--The 
national fund manager shall use national funds described in subsection 
(a)(2) to undertake financing and other activities to enhance and 
maximize the effectiveness of the Initiative, as determined by the 
agreement with the Secretary, including--
            (1) attracting other forms of financial assistance to match 
        or leverage the national funds;
            (2) awarding national funds to partnerships in accordance 
        with subsection (d);
            (3) creating and managing pools of grant or loan capital 
        that blend or leverage national funds with other forms of 
        financial assistance, including capital in the form of tax 
        credits under section 45D of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 
        for the benefit of partnerships;
            (4) creating and managing pools of grant or loan capital 
        that blend or leverage the national funds with other forms of 
        financial assistance, including capital in the form of tax 
        credits under section 45D of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 
        to finance eligible local projects identified by partnerships 
        or the national fund manager that have special or unique 
        characteristics;
            (5) providing loans or grants directly to eligible local 
        projects as matching funds if requested by a partnership;
            (6) providing credit enhancement or other financial 
        products and instruments for the benefit of partnerships or 
        eligible local projects;
            (7) providing technical assistance; and
            (8) funding reasonable administrative costs approved by the 
        Secretary.
    (d) Criteria for Awarding National Funds to Partnerships.--
            (1) In general.--The national fund manager shall award 
        national funds to partnerships through a competitive process on 
        an annual basis.
            (2) First round priority.--In the first round of funding, 
        the national fund manager shall give priority to existing 
        partnerships that have demonstrable capacity to implement fresh 
        food financing programs in underserved areas quickly.
            (3) Additional rounds.--Additional rounds shall be designed 
        to promote geographic diversity.
            (4) Criteria.--In awarding national funds to partnerships, 
        the national fund manager shall consider--
                    (A) the amount of funds and other resources pledged 
                by a partnership to match or leverage national funds;
                    (B) the degree of State, local, or tribal 
                government support of the partnership as evidenced by 
                matching grant and loan funds or other types of 
                support, such as allocation of tax-exempt bonds, loan 
                guarantees, and coordination of resources from other 
                State or local economic development programs;
                    (C) the capacity of the partnership to successfully 
                develop and manage loan and grant programs;
                    (D) the lack of supermarkets and other fresh, 
                healthy food retail enterprises in low- and moderate-
                income areas that would be served by the partnership;
                    (E) the experience of the food access or community 
                health organization of the partnership in outreach 
                about access to healthy foods and local healthy food 
                access issues;
                    (F) the degree of community engagement and support 
                in the development and retention of supermarkets and 
                other fresh, healthy food retail enterprises; and
                    (G) the contribution of the program of the 
                partnership to the overall geographic diversity of the 
                Initiative.
    (e) Administrative Costs.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 45 days after the date of 
        receipt of an award, the national fund manager shall submit to 
        the Secretary for approval a 3-year program and operating 
        budget and detailed work plan that shall include--
                    (A) costs for research and evaluation, technical 
                assistance, and training; and
                    (B) program and operating costs.
            (2) Earned revenues.--Earned revenues from loan fees and 
        interest may be expended on program and operating costs in 
        accordance with the budget approved by the Secretary.
            (3) Basis of review.--The Secretary shall base the review 
        under subparagraph (A) on--
                    (A) the likelihood of the plan and expenditures to 
                further the purposes of this section; and
                    (B) whether the administrative costs are 
                reasonable, connected to the costs of operation, and 
                reflect efficient operations by the national fund 
                manager.

SEC. 206. PARTNERSHIPS.

    (a) In General.--Each partnership that receives assistance through 
the Initiative shall provide financial and technical assistance to 
eligible fresh, healthy food retail projects in underserved areas 
within the defined communities of the partnership.
    (b) Administration.--Each partnership shall designate a community 
development financial institution or other organization that is capable 
of administering a loan and grant program--
            (1) to execute grant agreements with the national fund 
        manager; and
            (2) to serve as the manager of local funds.
    (c) Responsibilities of Partnerships.--A partnership shall--
            (1) raise other forms of financial assistance to match the 
        national funds received by the partnership;
            (2) provide marketing and outreach to communities, the 
        supermarket industry, other fresh, healthy food retailers, 
        State and local government officials, and civic and public 
        interest organizations--
                    (A) to solicit applications from underserved areas 
                from across the State or locality to be served by the 
                partnership; and
                    (B) to inform the communities and other persons 
                about the availability of grants, loans, training, and 
                technical assistance;
            (3) review and underwrite projects to determine whether--
                    (A) a proposed project meets the criteria for 
                eligible projects under section __02; and
                    (B) a proposed project meets the criteria for 
                priority projects under subsection (g) of such section;
            (4) provide technical assistance services to eligible 
        fresh, healthy food retail operators and developers;
            (5) track and report outcomes, including--
                    (A) the number of jobs created or retained;
                    (B) the quantity of fresh, healthy food retail 
                space created or retained; and
                    (C) such other health and economic indicators as 
                are required by the national fund manager;
            (6) monitor and audit funded projects to ensure compliance 
        with the Initiative, the national fund manager, and partnership 
        program requirements for a period of at least 3 years;
            (7) submit an annual report to the national fund manager 
        that describes--
                    (A) the activities of the partnership;
                    (B) the expenditure of local funds; and
                    (C) success in meeting performance targets and 
                satisfying such other terms and conditions as are 
                specified in the agreement between the partnership and 
                the national fund manager; and
            (8) coordinate with the national fund manager for the 
        smooth operation of the Initiative.
    (d) Administrative Costs.--
            (1) In general.--As a condition on the receipt of 
        assistance under this section, each partnership shall submit to 
        the national fund manager for approval a 3-year budget and plan 
        for all program and operating costs, including--
                    (A) costs for research and evaluation, technical 
                assistance, and training; and
                    (B) administrative and operating costs.
            (2) Earned revenues.--Earned revenues from loan fees and 
        interest may be expended on program and operating costs in 
        accordance with the budget approved by the national fund 
        manager.
            (3) Basis of review.--The national fund manager shall base 
        the review of the budget and plan under paragraph (1) on the 
        likelihood of the budget and plan to further the purposes of 
        the Initiative.

SEC. 207. EVALUATION AND MONITORING.

    (a) In General.--Program evaluation and financial audits shall 
occur at all levels of the Initiative to ensure that--
            (1) national and local funds are used properly; and
            (2) the objectives of the Initiative are met.
    (b) Program Evaluation and Financial Audits.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
                    (A) conduct periodic program evaluations and 
                financial audits of the national fund manager, 
                partnerships, and projects funded by the Initiative; 
                and
                    (B) share with the national fund manager the 
                results of the evaluations and audits.
            (2) Funded projects.--The Secretary or the national fund 
        manager shall evaluate partnerships to assess the health and 
        economic impacts of projects funded by the Initiative.
            (3) Other impacts.--
                    (A) Secretary of health and human services.--The 
                Secretary of Health and Human Services shall conduct 
                research studies and evaluate the health impacts of the 
                Initiative.
                    (B) Community development financial institutions.--
                Representatives of the community development financial 
                institutions shall conduct research studies and 
                evaluate the economic impacts of the Initiative.
            (4) Partnerships.--
                    (A) In general.--Each partnership shall--
                            (i) conduct periodic administrative and 
                        financial audits of projects funded by the 
                        Initiative; and
                            (ii) share with the national fund manager 
                        the results of the audits.
                    (B) Failure of partnership.--In a case in which a 
                partnership fails, the national fund manager shall take 
                over the portfolio of the failed partnership.

SEC. 208. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.

    Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to 
carry out the Initiative, including regulations--
            (1) for the conduct of a performance evaluation at the end 
        of the initial 5-year period;
            (2) to terminate the contract for cause; and
            (3) to extend the contract for an additional 5-year period.

SEC. 209. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry 
out the Initiative $500,000,000. Amounts appropriated pursuant to this 
authorization of appropriation shall remain available until expended.

        TITLE III--DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE URBAN AGRICULTURE

SEC. 301. COMMUNITY GARDENING GRANT PROGRAM.

    (a) Program Established.--From the amounts appropriated to carry 
out this section, the Secretary of Agriculture shall award grants to 
eligible entities to expand, establish, or maintain urban and Native 
American community gardens.
    (b) Application.--In order to receive a grant under this section, 
an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such 
time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary 
may require, including--
            (1) an assurance that priority for hiring for jobs created 
        by the expansion, establishment, or maintenance of an urban 
        community garden funded with a grant received under this 
        section will be given to individuals who reside in the 
        community where the garden is located; and
            (2) a demonstration that the eligible entity is committed 
        to providing non-Federal financial or in-kind support (such as, 
        but not limited to, providing a water supply) for the community 
        garden for which the entity receives funds under this section.
    (c) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
                    (A) a for profit or nonprofit organization; or
                    (B) a unit of general local government, or tribal 
                government, located on tribal land or in a low-income 
                community.
            (2) Low-income community.--The term ``low-income 
        community'' has the meaning given such term by the Secretary of 
        Agriculture.
            (3) Unit of general local government.--The term ``unit of 
        general local government'' means any city, county, town, 
        township, parish, village, or other general purpose political 
        subdivision of a State.
            (4) State.--The term ``State'' includes, in addition to the 
        several States of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto 
        Rico, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, Guam, 
        American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 
        Islands.

SEC. 302. GRANTS FOR CONVERSION OF ABANDONED AND FORECLOSED PROPERTY TO 
              URBAN AGRICULTURAL USES.

    (a) Grants Authorized.--The Secretary of Agriculture may make 
grants on a competitive basis to assist an eligible entity described in 
subsection (b)--
            (1) to acquire, by purchase or lease, abandoned or 
        foreclosed real property in an urban area where there is 
        limited or no agricultural production; and
            (2) to convert the property to an agricultural use 
        authorized by subsection (c).
    (b) Eligible Entities Described.--Grants may be made under this 
section to a community organization, municipality, institution of 
higher education, local school district, nonprofit organization, or 
for-profit entity.
    (c) Authorized Agricultural Uses.--Real property acquired using 
grant funds may be used for any of the following purposes:
            (1) Projects to encourage the production of local foods in 
        an urban area.
            (2) Projects to strengthen local food distribution systems 
        in an urban area.
            (3) Projects to create sustainable food systems in an urban 
        area.
            (4) Projects to create or expand the opportunities to 
        consume fresh fruits and vegetables in an urban area.
            (5) Projects to promote agricultural processing in an urban 
        area.
            (6) Projects to encourage recipients of Federal and State 
        domestic food assistance programs to purchase locally grown or 
        produced foods.
            (7) Projects to promote education and training related to 
        best practices for agricultural production in an urban area.
            (8) Projects to promote education initiatives that promote 
        the nutritional benefits of consuming locally produced foods.
            (9) Other projects to promote economic development through 
        agricultural production in an urban area.
    (d) Grant Limitation.--The amount of a grant made under this 
section shall not exceed $500,000.
    (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary such amounts as may be necessary to carry 
out this section.

SEC. 303. EXPANSION OF HARVESTCORPS PROGRAM.

    (a) Authority To Fund HarvestCorps Grants.--The Secretary of 
Agriculture may enter into an agreement with the Director of the 
Corporation for National and Community Service, under which the 
Secretary will provide funds to the Corporation for National and 
Community Service to make up to 10 annual grants under section 121 of 
the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12571) to 
support the creation of the HarvestCorps program--
            (1) to alleviate poverty and meet the food needs of low-
        income people by increasing their access to supportive 
        programs, such as the Summer Food Service Program, the 
        Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, tax credits, and 
        other programs, that increase the revenue and economic health 
        of the low-income communities; and
            (2) to engage community resources and promote partnerships 
        that address local food access issues.
    (b) Grant Process; Elimination of Cost-Sharing Requirements.--
            (1) Competitive process.--Grants funded by the Secretary 
        under subsection (a) shall be awarded by the Corporation on a 
        competitive basis. The Corporation shall extend a preference to 
        eligible entities (as described in section 121(a) of the 
        National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 
        12571(a))) operating in the 10 States with the highest food 
        insecurity rates, as measured by the Department of Agriculture.
            (2) Grant amount; duration.--A grant funded by the 
        Secretary under subsection (a) may not exceed $1,000,000 per 
        year. The grant recipient may not receive a grant under this 
        section for more than three years.
            (3) Matching funds.--The matching funds requirement of 
        section 121(e) of the National and Community Service Act of 
        1990 (42 U.S.C. 12571(e)) shall not apply to grants funded by 
        the Secretary under subsection (a).
    (c) State-Wide Use of Grant.--The recipient of a grant funded by 
the Secretary under subsection (a) shall agree to provide services on a 
State-wide basis.
    (d) Sharing Information.--The Secretary and the Corporation may 
provide for the sharing of information concerning HarvestCorps projects 
through publications, conferences, and other appropriate forums, 
including sharing information with researchers, practitioners, and 
other interested parties.
    (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture $10,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2013, 2014, and 2015 to carry out this section.

SEC. 304. ACQUISITION OF PUBLICALLY OWNED LAND AND CONVERSION TO URBAN 
              FARMS AND COMMUNITY GARDENS.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Food desert.--The term ``food desert'' has the meaning 
        given the term ``underserved community'' in section 25(a)(3) of 
        the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2034(a)(3)).
            (2) Community land trust.--The term ``community land 
        trust'' means a community housing development organization, as 
        such term is defined in section 104(6) of the Cranston-Gonzalez 
        National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12704(6)), except 
        that the requirements under subparagraphs (C) and (D) of such 
        section shall not apply for purposes of this section.
    (b) Grants Authorized.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall make 
competitive grants to nonprofit organizations, including community land 
trusts, to assist the organizations--
            (1) to purchase publically owned land in a food desert; and
            (2) to convert the land for use as an urban farm or 
        community garden for the production of affordable, nutritious 
        foods.
    (c) Matching Funds Requirement.--As a condition of receiving a 
grant under this section, the nonprofit organization shall provide an 
amount of funds equal to not less than the amount of the grant.
    (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture such amounts as may be 
necessary to carry out this section.

SEC. 305. URBAN AGRICULTURAL WORKFORCE TRAINING PILOT PROGRAM.

    (a) Authority.--The Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with 
the Secretary of Labor, shall award not more than 25 grants to eligible 
entities to develop and implement urban agricultural workforce training 
programs.
    (b) Grants.--
            (1) Application.--An eligible entity seeking a grant under 
        this section shall submit to the Secretary of Agriculture an 
        application containing--
                    (A) a description of the urban agricultural 
                workforce training program such entity intends to 
                develop and implement using grant funds; and
                    (B) such other information as the Secretary may 
                require.
            (2) Equal amounts.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall 
        award grants under this section in equal amounts.
    (c) Term of Grants; Condition.--
            (1) Term.--The term of a grant awarded under this section 
        shall be two years.
            (2) Condition.--
                    (A) Two-year availability of grant funds.--Each 
                recipient of a grant under this section shall return to 
                the Secretary of Agriculture any unused portion of such 
                grant at the end of the two-year period beginning on 
                the date the grant was awarded, together with any 
                earnings on such unused portion.
                    (B) Amounts returned.--The Secretary of Agriculture 
                shall return to the general fund of the Treasury of the 
                United States any amounts returned pursuant to 
                subparagraph (A).
    (d) Use of Grants.--
            (1) In general.--An eligible entity that receives a grant 
        under this section may only use grant funds for the following 
        purposes:
                    (A) To develop and implement an urban agricultural 
                workforce training program in accordance with paragraph 
                (2).
                    (B) To provide funding to trainees to defray the 
                start-up costs for new urban agricultural businesses of 
                such trainees.
            (2) Urban agricultural activities.--An urban agricultural 
        workforce training program developed and implemented by an 
        eligible entity receiving a grant under this section shall 
        provide training for individuals to carry out any of the 
        following urban agricultural activities:
                    (A) Designing, constructing, and maintaining 
                biocellar structures.
                    (B) Community gardening.
                    (C) Urban farming.
                    (D) Viticulture.
                    (E) Agricultural education.
                    (F) Rehabilitating land for agricultural use.
                    (G) Developing farmers' markets.
                    (H) Transporting fresh, local food.
                    (I) Developing mobile pantries for fresh produce.
            (3) Limitation.--Not less than 30 percent of the amount 
        received through a grant awarded under this section shall be 
        used to provide the funding described in paragraph (1)(B).
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
                    (A) a unit of general local government located in 
                an urban area (as defined by the Bureau of the Census);
                    (B) a tribal government;
                    (C) an accredited college or university; or
                    (D) a nonprofit organization.
            (2) State.--The term ``State'' includes, in addition to the 
        several States of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto 
        Rico, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, Guam, 
        American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 
        Islands.
            (3) Unit of general local government.--The term ``unit of 
        general local government'' means any city, county, town, 
        township, parish, village, or other general purpose political 
        subdivision of a State.
    (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2013 through 2017.

SEC. 306. URBAN AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture may make grants to 
persons to cover the cost of establishing or operating a farm, garden, 
or aquacultural or other facility, in an urban area, for the production 
of an agricultural or aquacultural product or the raising of livestock 
for sale exclusively in the urban area.
    (b) Limitations on Use of Grant.--A person to whom a grant is made 
under subsection (a) shall not use the grant for any expense other than 
for community educational programming, transportation, equipment, 
utilities, construction, rehabilitation of property, feed, or operating 
expenses (excluding salaries).
    (c) Limitations on Authorization of Appropriations.--For grants 
under subsection (a), there are authorized to be appropriated to the 
Secretary of Agriculture not more than $8,000,000,000 for each fiscal 
year.

SEC. 307. CLEAN AND SAFE DRINKING WATER FOR URBAN AREAS AND WATERWAYS.

    Section 1234(c)(3)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3834(c)(3)(B)) is amended by inserting ``, or the extent to which water 
quality in a metropolitan statistical area (as defined by the Director 
of the Office of Management and Budget) downstream from the land that 
is the subject of the contract offer may be improved'' before the 
period at the end.

SEC. 308. EXTENSION OF ASSISTANCE TO SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED URBAN 
              FARMERS AND RANCHERS.

    (a) Eligible Land.--Section 1240A(1)(B)(vi) of the Food Security 
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-1(1)(B)(vi)) is amended by inserting 
``urban agricultural land,'' before ``and agricultural land''.
    (b) Increased Payments for Certain Producers.--Section 
1240B(d)(4)(A) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-
2(d)(4)(A)) is amended by inserting ``, including a socially 
disadvantaged farmer engaged in farming in an urban area of 50,000 or 
more people,'' before ``or a beginning farmer or rancher,''.
    (c) Assistance to Certain Farmers or Ranchers for Conservation 
Access.--Section 1241(g)(1)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
U.S.C. 3841(g)(1)(B)) is amended by inserting ``, including socially 
disadvantaged farmers engaged in farming in an urban area of 50,000 or 
more people'' before the period at the end.

SEC. 309. URBAN ENTREPRENEUR AND MICROENTERPRISE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

    Subtitle D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act is 
amended by inserting after section 365 (7 U.S.C. 2008) the following:

``SEC. 366. URBAN ENTREPRENEUR AND MICROENTERPRISE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

    ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) Economically disadvantaged microentrepreneur.--The 
        term `economically disadvantaged microentrepreneur' means an 
        owner, majority owner, or developer of a microenterprise that 
        has the ability to compete in the private sector but has been 
        impaired because of diminished capital and credit 
        opportunities, as compared to other microentrepreneurs in the 
        industry.
            ``(2) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian tribe' has the 
        meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
        Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b).
            ``(3) Intermediary.--The term `intermediary' means a 
        private, nonprofit entity that provides assistance--
                    ``(A) to a microenterprise development 
                organization; or
                    ``(B) for a microenterprise development program.
            ``(4) Low-income individual.--The term low-income 
        individual means an individual with an income (adjusted for 
        family size) of not more than the greatest of--
                    ``(A) 80 percent of median income of an area;
                    ``(B) 80 percent of the statewide non-metropolitan 
                area median income; or
                    ``(C) 80 percent of the national median income.
            ``(5) Microcredit.--The term `microcredit' means a business 
        loan or loan guarantee of not more than $50,000 that is 
        provided to an urban entrepreneur.
            ``(6) Microenterprise.--The term `microenterprise' means--
                    ``(A) a sole proprietorship; or
                    ``(B) a business entity with not more than 10 full-
                time-equivalent employees.
            ``(7) Microenterprise development organization.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The term `microenterprise 
                development organization' means a private, nonprofit 
                entity that--
                            ``(i) provides training and technical 
                        assistance to urban entrepreneurs; and
                            ``(ii) facilitates access to capital or 
                        another service described in subsection (b) for 
                        urban entrepreneurs.
                    ``(B) Inclusions.--The term `microenterprise 
                development organization' includes an organization 
                described in subparagraph (A) with a demonstrated 
                record of delivering services to economically 
                disadvantaged microentrepreneurs, or an effective plan 
                to develop a program to deliver microenterprise 
                services to urban entrepreneurs effectively, as 
                determined by the Secretary.
            ``(8) Microenterprise development program.--The term 
        `microenterprise development organization' means a program 
        administered by an organization serving an urban area.
            ``(9) Microentrepreneur.--The term `microentrepreneur' 
        means the owner, operator, or developer of a microenterprise.
            ``(10) Program.--The term `program' means the urban 
        entrepreneur and microenterprise program established under 
        subsection (b)(1).
            ``(11) Qualified organization.--The term `qualified 
        organization' means--
                    ``(A) a microenterprise development organization or 
                microenterprise development program that has a 
                demonstrated record of delivering microenterprise 
                services to urban entrepreneurs, or an effective plan 
                to develop a program to deliver microenterprise 
                services to urban entrepreneurs effectively, as 
                determined by the Secretary;
                    ``(B) an intermediary that has a demonstrated 
                record of delivery assistance to microenterprise 
                development organizations or microenterprise 
                development programs;
                    ``(C) a microenterprise development organization or 
                microenterprise development program that serves urban 
                entrepreneurs;
                    ``(D) an Indian tribe, the tribal government of 
                which certifies to the Secretary that no 
                microenterprise development organization or 
                microenterprise development program exists under the 
                jurisdiction of the Indian tribe;
                    ``(E) a group of 2 or more organizations or Indian 
                tribes described in any of subparagraphs (A) through 
                (D) that agree to act jointly as a qualified 
                organization under this section; or
                    ``(F) for purposes of subsection (b), a public 
                college or university.
            ``(12) Urban area.--The term `urban area' means any 
        community that is urban in character and has--
                    ``(A) a population of more than 25,000 individuals; 
                or
                    ``(B) an average population density of at least 
                1,000 individuals per square mile.
            ``(13) Urban capacity building service.--The term `urban 
        capacity building service' means a service provided to an 
        organization that--
                    ``(A) is, or is in the process of becoming, a 
                microenterprise development organization or 
                microenterprise development program; and
                    ``(B) serves urban areas for the purpose of 
                enhancing the ability of the organization to provide 
                training, technical assistance, and other related 
                services to urban entrepreneurs.
            ``(14) Urban entrepreneur.--The term `urban entrepreneur' 
        means a microentrepreneur, or prospective microentrepreneur--
                    ``(A) the principal place of business of which is 
                in a urban area; and
                    ``(B) that is unable to obtain sufficient training, 
                technical assistance, or microcredit elsewhere, as 
                determined by the Secretary.
            ``(15) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary 
        of Agriculture, acting through the Rural Business-Cooperative 
        Service.
            ``(16) Tribal government.--The term `tribal government' 
        means the governing body of an Indian tribe.
    ``(b) Urban Entrepreneurship and Microenterprise Program.--
            ``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish an 
        urban entrepreneurship and microenterprise program.
            ``(2) Purpose.--The purpose of the program shall be to 
        provide low-income individuals and moderate-income individuals 
        with--
                    ``(A) the skills necessary to establish new small 
                businesses in urban areas; and
                    ``(B) continuing technical and financial assistance 
                as individuals and business starting or operating small 
                businesses.
            ``(3) Grants.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may make a grant 
                under the program to a qualified organization--
                            ``(i) to provide training, operational 
                        support, or an urban capacity building service 
                        to a qualified organization to assist the 
                        qualified organization in developing 
                        microenterprise training, technical assistance, 
                        market development assistance, and other 
                        related services, primarily for business with 5 
                        or fewer full-time-equivalent employees;
                            ``(ii) to assist in researching and 
                        developing the best practices in delivering 
                        training, technical assistance, and microcredit 
                        tourban entrepreneurs; and
                            ``(iii) to carry out such other projects 
                        and activities as the Secretary determines to 
                        be consistent with the purposes of this 
                        section.
                    ``(B) Subgrants.--Subject to such regulations as 
                the Secretary may promulgate, a qualified organization 
                that receives a grant under this paragraph may use the 
                grant to provide assistance to other qualified 
                organizations, such as small or emerging qualified 
                organizations.
                    ``(C) Diversity.--In making grants under this 
                paragraph, the Secretary shall ensure, to the maximum 
                extent practicable, that grant recipients include 
                qualified organizations--
                            ``(i) of varying sizes; and
                            ``(ii) that serve racially- and ethnically-
                        diverse populations.
                    ``(D) Cost sharing.--
                            ``(i) Federal share.--The Federal share of 
                        the cost of a project carried out using funds 
                        from a grant made under this paragraph shall be 
                        75 percent.
                            ``(ii) Form of non-federal share.--The non-
                        Federal share of the cost of a project 
                        described in clause (i) may be provided--
                                    ``(I) in cash (including through 
                                fees, grants (including community 
                                development block grants), and gifts); 
                                or
                                    ``(II) in kind.
            ``(4) Urban microloan program.--
                    ``(A) Establishment.--In carrying out the program, 
                the Secretary may carry out an urban microloan program.
                    ``(B) Purpose.--The purpose of the urban microloan 
                program shall be to provide technical and financial 
                assistance to sole proprietorships and small businesses 
                located in urban areas with a particular focus on those 
                businesses with 5 or fewer full-time equivalent 
                employees.
                    ``(C) Authority of secretary.--In carrying out the 
                urban microloan program, the Secretary may--
                            ``(i) make direct loans to qualified 
                        organizations for the purpose of making short-
                        term, fixed interest rate microloans to 
                        startup, newly established, and growing urban 
                        microbusiness concerns; and
                            ``(ii) in conjunction with those loans, 
                        provide grants in accordance with subparagraph 
                        (E) to those qualified organizations for the 
                        purpose of providing intensive marketing, 
                        management, and technical assistance to small 
                        business concerns that are borrowers under this 
                        paragraph.
                    ``(D) Loan duration; interest rates; conditions.--
                            ``(i) Loan duration.--A loan made by the 
                        Secretary under this paragraph shall be for a 
                        term of 20 years.
                            ``(ii) Applicable interest rates.--A loan 
                        made by the Secretary under this paragraph to a 
                        qualified organization shall bear an annual 
                        interest rate of at least 1 percent.
                            ``(iii) Deferral of interest and 
                        principal.--The Secretary may permit the 
                        deferral of payments, for principal and 
                        interest, on a loan made under this paragraph 
                        for a period of not more than 2 years, 
                        beginning on the date on which the loan was 
                        made.
                    ``(E) Grant amounts.--
                            ``(i) In general.--Except as otherwise 
                        provided in this section, each qualified 
                        organization that receives a loan under this 
                        paragraph shall be eligible to receive a grant 
                        to provide marketing, management, and technical 
                        assistance to small business concerns that are 
                        borrowers or potential borrowers under this 
                        subsection.
                            ``(ii) Maximum amount of grant for 
                        microenterprise development organizations.--
                        Each microenterprise development organization 
                        that receives a loan under this paragraph shall 
                        receive an annual grant in an amount equal to 
                        not more than 25 percent of the total 
                        outstanding balance of loans made to the 
                        microenterprise development organization under 
                        this paragraph, as of the date of provision of 
                        the grant.
                            ``(iii) Matching requirement.--
                                    ``(I) In general.--As a condition 
                                of any grant made to a qualified 
                                organization under this subparagraph, 
                                the Secretary shall require the 
                                qualified organization to match not 
                                less than 15 percent of the total 
                                amount of the grant.
                                    ``(II) Sources.--In addition to 
                                cash from non-Federal sources, a 
                                matching share provided by the 
                                qualified organization may include 
                                indirect costs or in-kind contributions 
                                funded under non-Federal programs.
    ``(c) Administrative Expenses.--Not more than 10 percent of 
assistance received by a qualified organization for a fiscal year under 
this section may be used to pay administrative expenses.
    ``(d) Funding.--
            ``(1) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the date of 
        enactment of this section, and on October 1, 2012, and each 
        October 1 thereafter through October 1, 2016, out of any funds 
        in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of 
        the Treasury shall transfer to the Secretary to carry out this 
        section $50,000,000, to remain available until expended.
            ``(2) Allocation of funds.--Of the amount made available by 
        paragraph (1) for each fiscal year--
                    ``(A) not less than $30,000,000 shall be available 
                for use in carrying out subsection (b)(3); and
                    ``(B) not less than $20,000,000 shall be available 
                for use in carrying out subsection (b)(4), of which not 
                more than $7,000,000 shall be used to support direct 
                loans.
                    ``(C) Receipt and acceptance.--The Secretary shall 
                be entitled to receive, shall accept, and shall use to 
                carry out this section the funds transferred under 
                paragraph (1), without further appropriation.''.

SEC. 310. LOCAL FARM BUSINESS AND MARKET GARDEN COMPETITIVE LOAN 
              PROGRAM.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Agricultural commodity.--The term ``agricultural 
        commodity'' has the meaning given the term in section 102 of 
        the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5602).
            (2) Eligible lending entity.--The term ``eligible lending 
        entity'' means a government agency, nonprofit organization, or 
        any other entity that the Secretary designates to finance and 
        facilitate the development of a local farm business project or 
        market garden project.
            (3) Eligible producer.--The term ``eligible producer'' 
        means an individual or group of individuals who carry out a 
        local farm business project or market garden project.
            (4) Food desert.--The term ``food desert'' has the meaning 
        given the term in section 7527(a) of the Food, Conservation, 
        and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246; 122 Stat. 2039).
            (5) Local farm business project.--The term ``local farm 
        business project'' means a project on a farm or ranch that--
                    (A) is for the production of an agricultural 
                commodity for local markets in the local service area; 
                and
                    (B) is located on 1 or more property lots, the 
                cumulative acreage of which shall be more than 1 acre.
            (6) Local service area.--The term ``local service area'' 
        means an area consisting of a certain mile radius (as 
        determined by the Secretary) from the physical location of 
        production by an eligible local farm business or market garden 
        project.
            (7) Market garden project.--The term ``market garden 
        project'' means a project that--
                    (A) is for the production of an agricultural 
                commodity for local markets in the local service area; 
                and
                    (B) is located on 1 or more property lots 
                (regardless of the population density of the area in 
                which the property lots are located), the cumulative 
                acreage of which shall be more than \1/4\ acre.
            (8) Revolving loan fund.--The term ``revolving loan fund'' 
        means a revolving loan fund established by an eligible lending 
        entity as described in subsection (c).
            (9) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
        of Agriculture.
            (10) Socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher.--The term 
        ``socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher'' has the meaning 
        given the term in section 355(e) of the Consolidated Farm and 
        Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2003(e)).
            (11) Specialty crop.--The term ``specialty crop'' has the 
        meaning given the term in section 3 of the Specialty Crops 
        Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 
        108-465).
            (12) Sustainable agriculture.--The term ``sustainable 
        agriculture'' has the meaning given the term in section 1404 of 
        the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
        Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103).
    (b) Competitive Loan Program for Eligible Lending Entities.--
            (1) In general.--To support new entrepreneurship and job 
        creation, the Secretary shall establish a local farm business 
        and market garden competitive loan program under which the 
        Secretary shall make available to eligible lending entities 
        loans to develop revolving loan funds to assist--
                    (A) eligible producers in establishing local farm 
                business projects or market garden projects that will 
                locally produce fresh foods; and
                    (B) local farm business projects and market garden 
                projects to create local employment opportunities by--
                            (i) increasing farm and garden income by 
                        connecting producers and consumers;
                            (ii) creating more reliable local food 
                        systems;
                            (iii) diversifying food production;
                            (iv) increasing consumer access to fresh, 
                        local healthful foods produced by local farms, 
                        ranches, and market gardens in urban, suburban, 
                        or rural areas;
                            (v) supporting nutrition education that 
                        incorporates participation of school children 
                        in farm- and garden-based agricultural 
                        education activities; and
                            (vi) preserving farmland.
            (2) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a loan under 
        the program established under paragraph (1), an eligible 
        lending entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at 
        such time, in such form, and containing such information as the 
        Secretary may require.
            (3) Selection criteria.--
                    (A) Approval.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
                of enactment of this section and in accordance with 
                this paragraph, the Secretary shall, on a competitive 
                basis, begin assessing and approving such applications 
                received under paragraph (2) as the Secretary considers 
                appropriate.
                    (B) Criteria.--In considering a loan application 
                received under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall--
                            (i) evaluate the extent to which the 
                        application demonstrates the ability of the 
                        eligible lending entity--
                                    (I) to manage, market, and 
                                administer a revolving loan fund;
                                    (II) to assist local eligible 
                                producers to successfully meet local 
                                service area opportunities;
                                    (III) to work with partners to 
                                provide technical support to eligible 
                                local farm business projects and market 
                                garden projects;
                                    (IV) to recruit, educate, and 
                                assist local producers to advance local 
                                farming and ranching opportunities that 
                                meet local service area needs; and
                                    (V) subject to paragraph (5), to 
                                provide matching funds in the form of 
                                cash or in-kind services to properly 
                                implement and manage the revolving loan 
                                fund;
                            (ii) assess--
                                    (I) the number and type of local 
                                farm business projects and market 
                                garden projects to be affected by local 
                                farm business project loan funding;
                                    (II) the number of new jobs and 
                                eligible local farm business projects 
                                and market garden projects to be 
                                created by the revolving loan fund;
                                    (III) the ability of an eligible 
                                local farm business project or market 
                                garden project--
                                            (aa) to preserve farmland 
                                        through economically and 
                                        environmentally sustainable 
                                        agriculture practices (as 
                                        determined by the Secretary); 
                                        and
                                            (bb) to serve schools and 
                                        institutions with a high 
                                        proportion of students who are 
                                        eligible for free or reduced 
                                        price lunches under the Richard 
                                        B. Russell National School 
                                        Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et 
                                        seq.);
                                    (IV) the degree to which an 
                                eligible local farm business project or 
                                market garden project--
                                            (aa) incorporates 
                                        experiential nutrition 
                                        education;
                                            (bb) demonstrates the 
                                        potential positive economic 
                                        impact for the local economy;
                                            (cc) demonstrates 
                                        environmentally sustainable 
                                        agriculture practices; and
                                            (dd) demonstrates a 
                                        collaboration between schools 
                                        or educational institutions, 
                                        nongovernmental organizations, 
                                        producer groups, and other 
                                        community and business 
                                        partners; and
                                    (V) the market opportunity for 
                                eligible local farm business projects 
                                or market garden projects to sell 
                                products in the local community; and
                            (iii) consider any other factors that the 
                        Secretary determines to be appropriate.
                    (C) Regional balance.--To the maximum extent 
                practicable, in awarding loans under this section, the 
                Secretary shall ensure that loan recipients--
                            (i) are geographically diverse;
                            (ii) serve clients targeted by the loan 
                        program, including socially disadvantaged 
                        farmers or ranchers;
                            (iii) serve clients located in areas with a 
                        variety of population densities, including 
                        rural, suburban, urban, and tribal areas; and
                            (iv) identify and serve food deserts within 
                        the local service area.
                    (D) Priority.--
                            (i) In general.--In considering loan 
                        applications received under paragraph (2), the 
                        Secretary shall give priority to applications 
                        that demonstrate the ability and willingness of 
                        the eligible lending entity--
                                    (I) to serve clients targeted by 
                                the program, including, as appropriate, 
                                socially disadvantaged farmers or 
                                ranchers;
                                    (II) to assist with the financial 
                                management aspects of specialty crop 
                                farming and other types of local 
                                agricultural projects; and
                                    (III) to address the nutritional 
                                needs of an underserved area, as 
                                determined in accordance with clause 
                                (ii).
                            (ii) Underserved areas.--In determining 
                        whether an area is an underserved area, the 
                        Secretary shall consider--
                                    (I) population density;
                                    (II) below-average supermarket 
                                density or sales;
                                    (III) the rate of ownership of 
                                motor vehicles; and
                                    (IV) geographical or physical 
                                barriers, such as highways, mountains, 
                                major parks, or bodies of water.
            (4) Loan terms for eligible lending entities.--
                    (A) In general.--For each fiscal year for which the 
                Secretary makes a loan to an eligible lending entity 
                under this subsection, the loan shall--
                            (i) be in an amount that is not less than 
                        $200,000 and not more than $1,000,000; and
                            (ii) be used by the eligible lending entity 
                        to establish a revolving loan fund to provide 
                        loans for local farm business projects or 
                        market garden projects.
                    (B) Term.--The term of a loan under this subsection 
                shall not exceed 20 years from the date on which the 
                loan is finalized.
                    (C) Loan financing terms.--In making loans to 
                eligible lending entities under this subsection, the 
                Secretary shall--
                            (i) set the rate of interest at not more 
                        than 2 percent per year; and
                            (ii) ensure that no payments are due on the 
                        loan during the first 2 years of the loan.
            (5) Matching funds.--The Secretary may not require an 
        eligible lending entity that receives a loan under this 
        subsection to provide, from non-Federal sources, in cash or in-
        kind, the cost of carrying out activities under the loan.
            (6) Administrative expenses.--
                    (A) In general.--Each eligible lending entity that 
                receives a loan under this subsection shall be eligible 
                additionally to receive a 1-time grant for purposes 
                described in subparagraph (B) in an amount that is not 
                more than the lesser of--
                            (i) 10 percent of the total amount of the 
                        loan received by the eligible lending entity; 
                        or
                            (ii) $50,000.
                    (B) Use of grant funds.--Grant funds received under 
                subparagraph (A) may be used by the eligible lending 
                entity only to pay management and technical support 
                costs associated with the loan.
                    (C) Interest rate.--If an eligible lending entity 
                receives a grant under subparagraph (A), the eligible 
                lending entity may not set the interest rate of loans 
                made by the eligible lending entity to local farm 
                business projects or market garden projects at more 
                than 3 percent per year.
            (7) Progress reports.--
                    (A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the 
                last day of each fiscal year, each eligible lending 
                entity that has a loan under this subsection shall 
                submit to the Secretary a report that includes--
                            (i) an evaluation of the progress of the 
                        revolving loan fund carried out by the eligible 
                        lending entity;
                            (ii) a description of the revolving loan 
                        fund, including information on all loans made 
                        to local farm business projects or market 
                        garden projects;
                            (iii) a status update for the local farm 
                        business projects and market garden projects 
                        funded by the revolving loan fund that 
                        describes--
                                    (I) the amount of food produced;
                                    (II) the amount of revenue 
                                generated; and
                                    (III) the number of new and 
                                retained jobs; and
                            (iv) such other information as the 
                        Secretary may require.
                    (B) Reports by the secretary.--Not later than 3 
                years after the date of enactment of this section, the 
                Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture 
                of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
                Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a 
                report that describes the results and findings of the 
                loan program carried out under this subsection.
            (8) Annual review.--The Secretary shall conduct an annual 
        review of the financial records of each eligible lending entity 
        that receives funding under this subsection--
                    (A) to assess the financial soundness of the 
                eligible lending entity; and
                    (B) to determine the effective use of loan and 
                grant funds made available to the eligible lending 
                entity under this subsection.
    (c) Revolving Loan Fund.--
            (1) Establishment and purpose.--Each eligible lending 
        entity that receives a loan under subsection (b) shall use the 
        funds to establish a revolving loan fund to provide loans to 
        eligible producers in the local service area.
            (2) Eligible activities.--Loans made by an eligible lending 
        entity under this subsection shall be used by the eligible 
        producer to carry out eligible activities in the local service 
        area, including--
                    (A) to carry out production projects for value-
                added food products;
                    (B) to provide working capital for general 
                operational costs of the local farm business project or 
                market garden project;
                    (C) to purchase project-related equipment;
                    (D) to purchase seeds, plants, and fruit or nut 
                trees;
                    (E) to purchase livestock, poultry, and breeding 
                stock;
                    (F) to construct and maintain irrigation systems;
                    (G) to construct buildings (including barns, sheds, 
                greenhouses, and dry and cold storage sheds) necessary 
                to support production;
                    (H) to lease, lease to purchase, or directly 
                purchase farmland or make a down payment on an accepted 
                purchase offer for farmland; or
                    (I) to carry out any other activity that the 
                Secretary determines to be in accordance with this 
                section.
            (3) Loan conditions.--
                    (A) In general.--To be eligible to receive a loan 
                under this section from an eligible lending entity, an 
                eligible producer shall--
                            (i) supply a minimum level of support of 
                        the cost of the local farm business project, 
                        market garden project, or institution costs, as 
                        determined by the Secretary; and
                            (ii) submit to the eligible lending 
                        entity--
                                    (I) documentation of, as 
                                appropriate--
                                            (aa) a long-term land lease 
                                        contract granting the right to 
                                        perform local production 
                                        agriculture;
                                            (bb) a building lease; or
                                            (cc) a deed of property 
                                        ownership; and
                                    (II) a conservation plan and a 
                                sound business plan that is likely to 
                                result in a profitable business with 
                                sustainable employment for the eligible 
                                producer and any employees.
                    (B) Secretarial approval; guarantee.--
                            (i) Approval.--Before an eligible lending 
                        entity may make a loan or package of loans to 
                        an eligible producer under this section, the 
                        Secretary shall approve the loan or package of 
                        loans in accordance with the requirements of 
                        this section.
                            (ii) Loan guarantee.--The Secretary shall 
                        guarantee not more than 85 percent of the 
                        principal and interest on each loan approved 
                        under clause (i).
            (4) Priority.--In making loans under this subsection, the 
        eligible lending entity shall give priority to eligible 
        producers that are operated by, or that support--
                    (A) qualified beginning farmers or ranchers (as 
                defined in section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and 
                Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a))) and socially 
                disadvantaged farmers or ranchers;
                    (B) existing eligible producers, whether owners or 
                tenants, who use loan funds to convert to agricultural 
                production systems approved by the Secretary;
                    (C) eligible producers who use loan funds to build 
                conservation structures or carry out conservation 
                practices;
                    (D) eligible producers who will supply fresh and 
                locally produced food to underserved communities; and
                    (E) existing eligible producers of agriculture 
                commodities who want to diversify farm, ranch, or 
                market garden production and income.
            (5) Loan terms for eligible producers.--
                    (A) In general.--A loan made by an eligible lending 
                entity to an eligible producer under this subsection 
                shall be in an amount that is--
                            (i) in the case of a local farm business 
                        project, not less than $5,000 and not more than 
                        $100,000; and
                            (ii) in the case of a market garden 
                        project, not less than $3,000 and not more than 
                        $50,000.
                    (B) Term.--The term of a loan under this subsection 
                shall not exceed--
                            (i) in the case of a loan in an amount that 
                        is not more than $35,000, 12 years from the 
                        date on which the loan is finalized; and
                            (ii) in the case of all other loans, 20 
                        years from the date on which the loan is 
                        finalized.
                    (C) Loan financing terms.--In making loans under 
                this subsection, an eligible lending entity shall--
                            (i) set the rate of interest at not more 
                        than 3 percent per year;
                            (ii) ensure that no payments are due on the 
                        loan during the first 9 months of the loan; and
                            (iii) ensure that only interest is due on 
                        the loan during the period beginning on the 
                        last day of the period described in clause (ii) 
                        and ending 24 months after the issuance of the 
                        loan.
                    (D) Loan forgiveness.--If an eligible producer has 
                received a loan under this section to carry out a local 
                farm business project or market garden project, and 
                after 3 years the Secretary determines that the project 
                is successful, the Secretary may offer to forgive--
                            (i) up to 10 percent of the outstanding 
                        amount of the loan; and
                            (ii) in the case of an eligible producer 
                        supporting sustainable agriculture practices, 
                        up to 20 percent of the outstanding amount of 
                        the loan.
    (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary for each of fiscal years 2012 through 
2022--
            (1) $20,000,000 to provide loans and grants under 
        subsection (b); and
            (2) $100,000 for the administrative costs of carrying out 
        this section.

                      TITLE IV--ERADICATING HUNGER

SEC. 401. WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS WITHOUT HUNGER.

    Section 18 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 
U.S.C. 1769) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(l) Weekends and Holidays Without Hunger.--
            ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                    ``(A) At-risk school child.--The term `at-risk 
                school child' has the meaning given the term in section 
                17(r)(1).
                    ``(B) Eligible institution.--
                            ``(i) In general.--The term `eligible 
                        institution' means a public or private 
                        nonprofit institution that is determined by the 
                        Secretary to be able to meet safe food storage, 
                        handling, and delivery standards established by 
                        the Secretary.
                            ``(ii) Inclusions.--The term `eligible 
                        institution' includes--
                                    ``(I) an elementary or secondary 
                                school or school food service 
                                authority;
                                    ``(II) a food bank or food pantry;
                                    ``(III) a homeless shelter; and
                                    ``(IV) such other type of emergency 
                                feeding agency as is approved by the 
                                Secretary.
            ``(2) Establishment.--Subject to the availability of 
        appropriations provided in advance in an appropriations Act 
        specifically for the purpose of carrying out this subsection, 
        the Secretary shall establish a program under which the 
        Secretary shall provide commodities, on a competitive basis, to 
        eligible institutions to provide nutritious food to at-risk 
        children on weekends and during extended school holidays during 
        the school year.
            ``(3) Eligibility.--
                    ``(A) In general.--To be eligible to receive 
                commodities under this subsection, an eligible 
                institution shall submit an application to the 
                Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing 
                such information as the Secretary may determine.
                    ``(B) Plan.--An application under subparagraph (A) 
                shall include the plan of the eligible institution for 
                the distribution of nutritious foods to at-risk school 
                children, including--
                            ``(i) methods of food service delivery to 
                        at-risk school children;
                            ``(ii) assurances that children receiving 
                        foods under the project will not be publicly 
                        separated or overtly identified;
                            ``(iii) lists of the types of food to be 
                        provided under the project and provisions to 
                        ensure food quality and safety;
                            ``(iv) information on the number of at-risk 
                        school children to be served and the per-child 
                        cost of providing the children with food; and
                            ``(v) such other information as the 
                        Secretary determines to be necessary to assist 
                        the Secretary in evaluating projects that 
                        receive commodities under this subsection.
            ``(4) Priority.--In selecting applications under this 
        subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible 
        institutions that--
                    ``(A) have on-going programs and experience serving 
                populations with significant proportions of at-risk 
                school children;
                    ``(B) have a good record of experience in food 
                delivery and food safety systems;
                    ``(C) maintain high quality control, 
                accountability, and recordkeeping standards;
                    ``(D) provide children with readily consumable food 
                of high nutrient content and quality;
                    ``(E) demonstrate cost efficiencies and the 
                potential for obtaining supplemental funding from non-
                Federal sources to carry out projects; and
                    ``(F) demonstrate the ability to continue projects 
                for the full approved term of the pilot project period.
            ``(5) Guidelines.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall issue 
                guidelines containing the criteria for projects to 
                receive commodities under this section.
                    ``(B) Inclusions.--The guidelines shall, to the 
                maximum extent practicable within the funds available 
                and applications submitted, take into account--
                            ``(i) geographical variations in project 
                        locations to include qualifying projects in 
                        rural, urban, and suburban areas with high 
                        proportions of families with at-risk school 
                        children;
                            ``(ii) different types of projects that 
                        offer nutritious foods on weekends and during 
                        school holidays to at-risk school children; and
                            ``(iii) institutional capacity to collect, 
                        maintain, and provide statistically valid 
                        information necessary for the Secretary--
                                    ``(I) to analyze and evaluate the 
                                results of the pilot project; and
                                    ``(II) to make recommendations to 
                                Congress.
            ``(6) Evaluation.--
                    ``(A) Interim evaluation.--Not later than November 
                30, 2013, the Secretary shall complete an interim 
                evaluation of the pilot program carried out under this 
                subsection.
                    ``(B) Final report.--Not later than December 31, 
                2015, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a final 
                report that contains--
                            ``(i) an evaluation of the pilot program 
                        carried out under this subsection; and
                            ``(ii) any recommendations of the Secretary 
                        for legislative action.
            ``(7) Funding.--
                    ``(A) Authorization of appropriations.--There is 
                authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
                such sums as are necessary, to remain available until 
                expended.
                    ``(B) Availability of funds.--Not more than 3 
                percent of the funds made available under subparagraph 
                (A) may be used by the Secretary for expenses 
                associated with review of the operations and evaluation 
                of the projects carried out under this subsection.''.

SEC. 402. EXPANSION AND MODERNIZATION OF THE COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL 
              FOOD PROGRAM.

    Section 5 of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 (7 
U.S.C. 612c note) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``2008 through 
                2012'' and inserting ``2013 through 2017'', and
                    (B) in paragraph (2)(B) by striking ``2004 through 
                2012'' and inserting ``2013 through 2017'', and
            (2) in subsection (g) by striking paragraph (2) and 
        inserting the following:
            ``(2) women, infants and children participating in the 
        program as of the effective date of this paragraph.
The Secretary may not require the enrollment in the program of women, 
infants, and children who are not participating in the program before 
the effective date of this sentence.''.

SEC. 403. EXPANSION AND MODERNIZATION OF THE EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE 
              PROGRAM.

    (a) Amendments to the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008.--Section 
27(a)(2) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2036(a)(2)) is 
amended--
            (1) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting the 
        following:
                    ``(A) for fiscal year 2013 through 2017, 
                $350,000,000; plus $100,000,000 for each percentage 
                point that unemployment exceeds the rate as of June 
                2008 (prorated such that each change of 0.1 percent 
                shall result in a change in funding of $10,000,000). 
                The unemployment rate from June of the immediately 
                preceding fiscal year shall be used to compute change 
                from June 2008. In any fiscal year, the amount 
                calculated in this subparagraph shall not be less than 
                $350,000,000.'',
            (2) in subparagraph (C)--
                    (A) by striking ``(C)'' and inserting ``(B)'',
                    (B) by striking ``2010 through 2012'' and inserting 
                ``2013 through 2017'',
                    (C) by striking ``subparagraph (B)'' and inserting 
                `` subparagraph (A)'', and
                    (D) by striking the period at the end and inserting 
                ``; and'', and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(C) of the total funds made available under 
                subparagraphs (A) and (B), not less than $100,000,000 
                shall be to support State and local storage and 
                distribution costs. In addition, each year States may 
                transfer up to 5 percent of total funds provided for 
                commodity purchases into accounts used to fund storage 
                and distribution costs at their discretion''.
    (b) Amendments to the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983.--The 
Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7501 et seq.) is 
amended--
            (1) in section 202 by adding at the end the following:
    ``(h) In addition to other considerations, including but not 
limited to the need to intervene in depressed domestic agricultural 
markets, the Secretary shall consider the needs of States and demands 
on emergency food providers in making commodity purchase decisions.'', 
and
            (2) in section 204 by striking ``2008'' and inserting 
        ``2013''.
    (c) Authority To Use Section 32 Funds To Respond to Situations of 
High Rates of Food Insecurity or Unemployment.--The second sentence of 
section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935 (7 U.S.C. 612c) is amended in 
paragraph (2) by inserting after ``low-income groups'' the following: 
``or in situations of high rates of food insecurity or unemployment,''.

SEC. 404. FOOD BANK EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.

    (a) Authority for Program.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall 
develop and carry out a food bank equipment and technology program to 
make grants to eligible entities to be used within a 1-year period for 
the purchase of operating equipment and technology that increases the 
efficiency of a food bank. Eligible entities include nonprofit entities 
that operate food banks in urban areas.
    (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of the 
fiscal years in the 3-year period beginning on the October 1 of the 1st 
fiscal year that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act.

                           TITLE V--GO GREEN

SEC. 501. GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE SCHOOLS, MUSEUMS, AND LIBRARIES GRANT 
              PROGRAM.

    (a) Grant Program.--The Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation 
with the Secretary of Energy, shall establish a program to provide 
competitive grants to schools, museums, and libraries to increase 
energy efficiency.
    (b) Criteria.--In awarding grants under subsection (a), the 
Secretary of Agriculture shall target schools, museums, and libraries 
that are the most inefficient in the usage of energy and whose 
insulation, lighting, and equipment would benefit most by being 
upgraded to insulation, lighting, and equipment that is more energy 
efficient.
    (c) Use of Funds.--A school, museum, or library receiving a grant 
under subsection (a) shall use the funds received under such grant--
            (1) to increase energy efficiency through new construction, 
        rehabilitation, expansion, and upgrades; and
            (2) for organized programs, events, and initiatives to 
        educate employees of schools, museums, or libraries on how to 
        become more energy efficient.
    (d) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Museum.--The term ``museum'' means a museum accredited 
        by the American Association of Museums.
            (2) School.--The term ``school'' means an elementary school 
        or a secondary school, as those terms are defined in section 
        9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 
        U.S.C. 7801).
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