Senior Hunger Prevention Act of 2023

Subjects: Agriculture and Food


<html><body><pre>[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1036 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

&lt;DOC&gt;






118th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                S. 1036

  To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to streamline nutrition 
  access for older adults and adults with disabilities, and for other 
                               purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             March 29, 2023

Mr. Casey (for himself, Mrs. Gillibrand, Mr. Fetterman, Mr. Blumenthal, 
  Mr. Kelly, and Ms. Warren) introduced the following bill; which was 
read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
                                Forestry

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
  To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to streamline nutrition 
  access for older adults and adults with disabilities, and for other 
                               purposes.

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

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Senior Hunger Prevention Act of 
2023''.

SEC. 2. IMPROVING EFFICACY OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE 
              PROGRAM.

    (a) Certification Period.--Section 3(f) of the Food and Nutrition 
Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012(f)) is amended in the second sentence by 
striking ``24'' and inserting ``36''.
    (b) Standard Medical Expense Deduction.--Section 5(e)(5) of the 
Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2014(e)(5)) is amended--
            (1) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``Excess 
        medical'' and inserting ``Medical'';
            (2) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``an excess medical'' 
        and all that follows through the period at the end and 
        inserting ``a standard medical deduction or a medical expense 
        deduction of actual costs for the allowable medical expenses 
        incurred by the elderly or disabled member, exclusive of 
        special diets.'';
            (3) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ``excess''; and
            (4) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(D) Standard medical expense deduction amount.--
                            ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in 
                        clause (ii), the standard medical expense 
                        deduction shall be--
                                    ``(I) for fiscal year 2024, $155; 
                                and
                                    ``(II) for each subsequent fiscal 
                                year, equal to the applicable amount 
                                for the immediately preceding fiscal 
                                year as adjusted to reflect changes for 
                                the 12-month period ending the 
                                preceding June 30 in the Consumer Price 
                                Index for All Urban Consumers: Medical 
                                Care published by the Bureau of Labor 
                                Statistics of the Department of Labor.
                            ``(ii) Exception.--For any fiscal year, a 
                        State agency may establish a greater standard 
                        medical expense deduction than described in 
                        clause (i) if the greater deduction satisfies 
                        cost neutrality standards established by the 
                        Secretary for that fiscal year.''.
    (c) Value of Allotment.--Section 8(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act 
of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2017(a)) is amended in the proviso clause by striking 
``8 percent'' and inserting ``\1/3\''.

SEC. 3. STREAMLINING NUTRITION ACCESS FOR OLDER ADULTS AND ADULTS WITH 
              DISABILITIES.

    (a) Definition of Elderly and Disabled.--Section 3(j)(2)(B) of the 
Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012(j)(2)(B)) is amended by 
inserting ``(which includes medical assistance provided to an 
individual described in section 1902(e)(14)(D)(i)(III) of the Social 
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a(e)(14)(D)(i)(III)))'' after ``(42 U.S.C. 
1396 et seq.)''.
    (b) Elderly Simplified Application Program.--The Food and Nutrition 
Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the 
following:

``SEC. 31. ELDERLY SIMPLIFIED APPLICATION PROGRAM.

    ``(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish a program, to 
be known as the `elderly simplified application program' (referred to 
in this section as `ESAP'), under which a State, in carrying out the 
supplemental nutrition assistance program, may elect to implement a 
streamlined application and certification process for households in 
which all adult members--
            ``(1) are elderly or disabled members; and
            ``(2) have no earned income.
    ``(b) Certification Period.--The certification period for 
participants in ESAP shall be 36 months.
    ``(c) Income and Other Data Verification.--
            ``(1) In general.--A State agency determining the 
        eligibility for an applicant household under ESAP shall, 
        notwithstanding section 11(e)(3)--
                    ``(A) to the maximum extent practicable, use data 
                matching for income verification and household size; 
                and
                    ``(B)(i) allow self-declaration by the applicant of 
                the information required under section 273.2(f) of 
                title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor 
                regulations); but
                    ``(ii) verify, prior to certification of the 
                household, factors of eligibility provided by the 
                applicant that the State agency determines are 
                questionable.
            ``(2) Accountability and fraud prevention.--In carrying out 
        paragraph (1), a State agency shall establish accountability 
        and fraud protection measures to deter fraud and ensure the 
        integrity of ESAP and the supplemental nutrition assistance 
        program.
    ``(d) Interviews.--Notwithstanding section 11(e)(6)(A), for 
recertification of a household under ESAP, the State agency shall not 
require an interview unless requested by the household, which may be 
conducted virtually.
    ``(e) Guidance.--Prior to the establishment of ESAP under 
subsection (a), the Administrator of the Food and Nutrition Service 
shall develop guidance for States, including by consulting with States, 
to carry out ESAP, which shall include--
            ``(1) general implementation guidelines;
            ``(2) reporting requirements;
            ``(3) quality control requirements; and
            ``(4) best practices.''.
    (c) Combined Application Program.--The Food and Nutrition Act of 
2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) (as amended by subsection (b)) is amended 
by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 32. COMBINED APPLICATION PROGRAM.

    ``(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Secretary, in coordination with the 
Commissioner of Social Security, shall establish a program, to be known 
as the `combined application program' (referred to in this section as 
`CAP'), under which a State, in carrying out the supplemental nutrition 
assistance program, may elect to implement a streamlined application 
process for households in which all adult members are applicants for or 
recipients of benefits under title II of the Social Security Act (42 
U.S.C. 401 et seq.) on the basis of a disability or supplemental 
security income under title XVI of that Act (42 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.).
    ``(b) Purposes.--The purposes of CAP are--
            ``(1) to reduce the need for households described in 
        subsection (a) to have in-person interviews with State offices 
        administering the supplemental nutrition assistance program; 
        and
            ``(2) to increase participation in the supplemental 
        nutrition assistance program by simplifying the application 
        process for that program through increased automation and 
        simplified calculation of benefits.
    ``(c) CAP Models.--The Secretary, in coordination with the 
Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, shall offer, at a 
minimum, each of the following models for States to implement CAP:
            ``(1) Standard model.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Under the standard model, the 
                Commissioner of the Social Security Administration and 
                the State agency administering the supplemental 
                nutrition assistance program shall coordinate--
                            ``(i) to develop a simplified joint 
                        application process for the supplemental 
                        nutrition assistance program that uses 
                        standardized benefit amounts or standardized 
                        shelter expenses, in accordance with this 
                        paragraph; and
                            ``(ii) to conduct outreach to adult members 
                        receiving supplemental security income under 
                        title XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
                        1381 et seq.) that are not receiving benefits 
                        under the supplemental nutrition assistance 
                        program.
                    ``(B) Standardized benefit amounts.--
                            ``(i) In general.--Under the standardized 
                        model described in subparagraph (A), applicants 
                        shall receive a standardized or automated 
                        benefit level under the supplemental nutrition 
                        assistance program based on their shelter 
                        expenses and other income.
                            ``(ii) Minimum standardized benefit 
                        levels.--At a minimum, there shall be 2 
                        standardized benefit levels under clause (i), 
                        including, as determined by the State--
                                    ``(I) a level for participants with 
                                low shelter expenses; and
                                    ``(II) a level for participants 
                                with high shelter expenses.
                            ``(iii) Comparable amount.--A State shall 
                        ensure that the amount provided under a 
                        standardized benefit level under clause (i) is 
                        comparable to an amount that a participant 
                        would otherwise receive under the supplemental 
                        nutrition assistance program.
                            ``(iv) Referral.--A State shall refer a 
                        household described in subsection (a) to the 
                        supplemental nutrition assistance program 
                        instead of enrolling that household in CAP if 
                        the standardized amount that the household 
                        would receive under CAP would be significantly 
                        less than the amount of benefits that the 
                        household would receive under the supplemental 
                        nutrition assistance program.
                    ``(C) Standardized shelter expenses.--In computing 
                an excess shelter expense deduction under section 
                5(e)(6), a State agency may use a standard utility 
                allowance in accordance with regulations promulgated by 
                the Secretary.
            ``(2) Modified model.--Under the modified model, a State 
        agency administering the supplemental nutrition assistance 
        program shall--
                    ``(A) conduct outreach to prospective participants 
                in the supplemental nutrition assistance program using 
                information from the Social Security Administration to 
                identify households described in subsection (a) that 
                are not participants in the supplemental nutrition 
                assistance program; and
                    ``(B) send to those households simplified 
                application forms for the supplemental nutrition 
                assistance program.''.

SEC. 4. ENROLLMENT AND OUTREACH PILOT PROGRAM FOR OLDER ADULTS, KINSHIP 
              FAMILIES, AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES.

    The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) (as 
amended by section 3(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 33. ENROLLMENT AND OUTREACH PILOT PROGRAM FOR OLDER ADULTS, 
              KINSHIP FAMILIES, AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES.

    ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) Disability.--The term `disability' has the meaning 
        given the term in section 3 of the Americans with Disabilities 
        Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102).
            ``(2) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means--
                    ``(A) a State or local government agency;
                    ``(B) an Indian tribe or tribal organization;
                    ``(C) a nonprofit organization, including a public 
                or nonprofit provider of services;
                    ``(D) a community-based organization; and
                    ``(E) an educational provider.
            ``(3) Kinship family.--The term `kinship family' means a 
        family in which a child resides with and is being raised by a 
        grandparent, another extended family member, or an adult with 
        whom the child has a close family-like relationship, such as a 
        godparent or a close family friend.
            ``(4) Older adult.--The term `older adult' has the meaning 
        given the term `older individual' in section 102 of the Older 
        Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3002).
            ``(5) Pilot program.--The term `pilot program' means the 
        pilot program established under subsection (b).
    ``(b) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish a pilot 
program, to be known as the `Enrollment and Outreach Pilot Program for 
Older Adults, Kinship Families, and Adults with Disabilities', under 
which the Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities--
            ``(1) to raise awareness among older adults, kinship 
        families, and adults with disabilities of the availability, 
        eligibility requirements, application procedures, and benefits 
        of the supplemental nutrition assistance program; and
            ``(2) to support older adults, kinship families, and adults 
        with disabilities in enrolling in that program.
    ``(c) Priority.--In awarding grants under the pilot program, the 
Secretary shall give priority to--
            ``(1) eligible entities that--
                    ``(A) provide services to older adults or adults 
                with disabilities;
                    ``(B) provide services to kinship families, 
                including kinship navigator programs;
                    ``(C) have experience implementing programs that 
                receive funding under the Older Americans Act of 1965 
                (42 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.);
                    ``(D) have experience implementing programs 
                administered by the Food and Nutrition Service; or
                    ``(E) receive, plan to receive, or demonstrate an 
                ability to partner with a program that receives funding 
                under the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3001 
                et seq.), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 
                (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.), or nutrition programs 
                administered by the Secretary; and
            ``(2) projects that will--
                    ``(A) serve communities with high rates of food 
                insecurity, malnutrition, or low food access;
                    ``(B) serve rural communities, indigenous 
                communities, or communities of color;
                    ``(C) serve members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, 
                transgender, and queer community;
                    ``(D) serve adults with limited English 
                proficiency;
                    ``(E) serve veterans;
                    ``(F) serve residents in federally subsidized 
                housing, including federally subsidized housing units 
                for older adults and adults with disabilities;
                    ``(G) serve residents living in housing serving 
                kinship families; and
                    ``(H) incorporate nutrition education activities 
                that promote healthy eating and active lifestyles.
    ``(d) Eligible Activities.--An eligible entity receiving a grant 
under the pilot program shall use the grant to carry out 1 or more of 
the following activities:
            ``(1) Application assistance, including--
                    ``(A) eligibility prescreening;
                    ``(B) assistance completing an application for the 
                supplemental nutrition assistance program;
                    ``(C) assistance obtaining application verification 
                documents;
                    ``(D) medical expense deduction counseling; and
                    ``(E) translation of materials and bilingual 
                accommodation.
            ``(2) Tailored information dissemination about the 
        supplemental nutrition assistance program, including through--
                    ``(A) community-based outreach workshops and 
                events;
                    ``(B) a toll-free hotline to provide information 
                about Federal, State, and local food resources;
                    ``(C) informational websites and other social media 
                sites; and
                    ``(D) printed or digital informational content.
            ``(3) Transportation, including--
                    ``(A) transportation to or from a local office of 
                the supplemental nutrition assistance program; and
                    ``(B) administration of vouchers or similar items 
                for the transportation described in subparagraph (A).
            ``(4) Identification, implementation, analysis, and 
        dissemination of replicable and scalable models for increasing 
        enrollment in the supplemental nutrition assistance program 
        among older adults, kinship families, and adults with 
        disabilities.
    ``(e) Grants.--
            ``(1) Maximum amount.--A grant awarded under the pilot 
        program to an eligible entity for a fiscal year shall be not 
        less than $50,000, but not more than $250,000.
            ``(2) Duration.--An eligible entity may be awarded a grant 
        under the pilot program for not more than 5 years.
    ``(f) Evaluation.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
establishment of the pilot program, the Secretary shall conduct an 
evaluation of the pilot program.
    ``(g) Funding.--
            ``(1) In general.--In addition to amounts otherwise 
        available, there is appropriated, out of any funds in the 
        Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $12,250,000, to remain 
        available until expended, to carry out the pilot program, of 
        which not more than $250,000 shall be used to carry out the 
        evaluation under subsection (f).
            ``(2) Administrative costs.--Of the amounts made available 
        under paragraph (1) (excluding the amount made available to 
        carry out subsection (f)), not more than 3 percent may be used 
        by the Secretary for administrative costs.''.

SEC. 5. FOOD DELIVERY UNDER SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

    The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) (as 
amended by section 4) is amended by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 34. FOOD DELIVERY.

    ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) Covered retail food store.--The term `covered retail 
        food store' means a retail food store, a public or private 
        nonprofit meal delivery service, or a public or nonprofit meal 
        delivery provider participating in the supplemental nutrition 
        assistance program that is unable to cover the cost of food 
        delivery for participants of that program.
            ``(2) Employee.--The term `employee' has the meaning given 
        the term in section 3 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 
        (29 U.S.C. 203).
    ``(b) Program Modifications.--
            ``(1) In general.--In carrying out the supplemental 
        nutrition assistance program, the Secretary shall--
                    ``(A) notify retail food stores participating in 
                the supplemental nutrition assistance program of 
                existing opportunities through which the retail food 
                stores can deliver food to program participants, 
                including by--
                            ``(i) allowing an EBT card to be swiped on 
                        delivery of food to the home (with a mobile 
                        device); and
                            ``(ii) preparing food for pick-up;
                    ``(B) authorize public-private partnerships between 
                the Department of Agriculture, retail food stores 
                participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance 
                program, and community-based organizations to provide 
                free or low-cost food delivery, including through the 
                use of private funds;
                    ``(C) in the case of a covered retail food store, 
                use funds made available under subparagraph (E) of 
                paragraph (3) to provide, in accordance with that 
                paragraph, free grocery delivery for program 
                participants who are older adults or adults with 
                disabilities who are unable to shop for food or lack 
                safe and accessible transportation options to the 
                covered retail food store; and
                    ``(D) require each State to submit to the Secretary 
                a State plan that describes how the State will--
                            ``(i) work with retail food stores 
                        participating in the supplemental nutrition 
                        assistance program and other community-based 
                        partners to establish a process for food 
                        delivery for program participants;
                            ``(ii) administer the reimbursements 
                        described in paragraph (3), including timing, 
                        eligibility, and distribution processes; and
                            ``(iii) ensure that retail food stores 
                        participating in the supplemental nutrition 
                        assistance program that are reimbursed for 
                        delivery costs under paragraph (3) adhere to 
                        the requirements described in subparagraph (B) 
                        of that paragraph.
            ``(2) State plans.--Not later than 10 days after the date 
        on which the Secretary receives a State plan under paragraph 
        (1)(D), the Secretary shall--
                    ``(A) approve or deny the State plan; and
                    ``(B) make publicly available on the website of the 
                Department of Agriculture--
                            ``(i) the State plan;
                            ``(ii) the determination made under 
                        subparagraph (A) with respect to that plan; and
                            ``(iii) any guidance issued to the State 
                        with respect to that plan.
            ``(3) Reimbursement of retail food stores.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other 
                provision of law (including regulations, including 
                sections 274.7(f) and 278.2(b) of title 7, Code of 
                Federal Regulations (or successor regulations)), 
                subject to the availability of funds, a State agency 
                shall reimburse a covered retail food store for the 
                cost of food delivery to program participants described 
                in paragraph (1)(C) if--
                            ``(i) the covered retail food store meets 
                        the requirements under subparagraph (B); and
                            ``(ii) the majority of the number of food 
                        items delivered by the covered retail food 
                        store are eligible for redemption using 
                        benefits under the program, regardless of 
                        whether the delivery includes nonfood items, 
                        subject to the condition that those nonfood 
                        items are of de minimis value.
                    ``(B) Requirements.--A covered retail food store 
                may receive reimbursement for the cost of food delivery 
                to program participants described in paragraph (1)(C) 
                if the following requirements are met:
                            ``(i) Food delivery is performed by 
                        employees of the covered retail food store or 
                        employees of an entity contracted by the 
                        covered retail food store to perform 
                        deliveries.
                            ``(ii) Before any employee described in 
                        clause (i) begins making food deliveries, that 
                        employee receives employer-provided health and 
                        safety training that reflects the most recent 
                        guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control 
                        and Prevention.
                            ``(iii) All employees described in clause 
                        (i) performing deliveries are paid at a rate 
                        that is not less than the greater of--
                                    ``(I) the minimum wage rate 
                                established under section 6(a)(1) of 
                                the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 
                                (29 U.S.C. 206(a)(1)); and
                                    ``(II) the minimum wage rate 
                                established by the applicable State or 
                                locality in which the employee works.
                            ``(iv) The covered retail food store meets 
                        the size standard determined by the Small 
                        Business Administration for a supermarket or 
                        other grocery retailer or a convenience 
                        retailer under section 121.201 of title 13, 
                        Code of Federal Regulations (or successor 
                        regulations);
                            ``(v) The covered retail food store does 
                        not--
                                    ``(I) charge the supplemental 
                                nutrition assistance program 
                                participant for delivery costs that the 
                                covered retail food store will be 
                                reimbursed for;
                                    ``(II) require minimum purchase 
                                thresholds in order to provide free 
                                delivery;
                                    ``(III) restrict delivery times to 
                                least favorable windows for 
                                supplemental nutrition assistance 
                                program participants; or
                                    ``(IV) charge surge pricing.
                    ``(C) Reimbursable costs.--Reimbursable costs under 
                subparagraph (A) include costs associated with 
                purchasing point-of-sale devices or receiving technical 
                assistance relating to point-of-sale devices.
                    ``(D) Maximum reimbursement per delivery.--The 
                maximum amount of reimbursement under subparagraph (A) 
                for a food delivery fee shall be $10 per delivery, 
                which may be adjusted by the Secretary for inflation.
                    ``(E) Authorization of appropriations.--There is 
                authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary 
                $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2024, and each fiscal year 
                thereafter, to remain available until expended, to 
                cover the cost of food delivery described in paragraph 
                (1)(C), to be distributed among the States to fund 
                reimbursements by States under subparagraph (A).
            ``(4) Report.--Not later than April 30, 2025, and April 30 
        of each year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the 
        Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate 
        and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
        Representatives a report that describes, for the period covered 
        by the report, as applicable--
                    ``(A) the number of program participants using food 
                delivery services, including the percentage of those 
                participants that are older adults and adults with 
                disabilities;
                    ``(B) the authorized program retailers that were 
                reimbursed under paragraph (3) and each reimbursement 
                amount;
                    ``(C) any complications or difficulties experienced 
                by States in administering reimbursements under 
                paragraph (3); and
                    ``(D) recommendations or best practices to assist 
                States in implementing food delivery programs.''.

SEC. 6. COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM.

    (a) Funds.--Section 4 of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection 
Act of 1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 93-86) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a), in the first sentence, by striking 
        ``2023'' and inserting ``2028''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(d) Funds.--In addition to amounts otherwise available, there is 
appropriated, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise 
appropriated, to carry out the program under this section $10,000,000 
for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028.''.
    (b) Adults With Disabilities.--Section 5 of the Agriculture and 
Consumer Protection Act of 1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 93-86) 
is amended--
            (1) by striking ``2023'' each place it appears and 
        inserting ``2028''; and
            (2) in subsection (g)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``to low-income 
                persons aged 60 and older.'' and inserting the 
                following: ``to--
                    ``(A) low-income persons aged 60 and older; and
                    ``(B) low-income adults with disabilities (as 
                defined in section 3 of the Americans with Disabilities 
                Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102)).'';
                    (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph 
                (3);
                    (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
            ``(2) Income eligibility.--For purposes of paragraph (1), a 
        low-income individual described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of 
        that paragraph shall have a gross income level that is less 
        than 185 percent of the Federal poverty line.''; and
                    (D) in paragraph (3)(B) (as so redesignated), in 
                the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ``of--'' 
                and all that follows through the period at the end of 
                clause (ii) and inserting ``of 36 months.''; and
            (3) in subsection (i), in the matter preceding paragraph 
        (1)--
                    (A) by inserting ``or low-income adults with 
                disabilities described in subsection (g)(1)(B)'' after 
                ``elderly persons''; and
                    (B) by striking ``to each elderly participant in or 
                applicant for the commodity supplemental food program 
                for the elderly'' and inserting ``to each participant 
                in or applicant for such a program''.

SEC. 7. SENIORS FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Section 4402 of the Farm Security and Rural 
Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3007) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) by striking ``Of the funds'' and inserting the 
                following:
            ``(1) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds'';
                    (B) in paragraph (1) (as so designated), by 
                inserting ``(referred to in this section as the 
                `Secretary')'' after ``Agriculture''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There are 
        authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out and 
        expand the seniors farmers' market nutrition program--
                    ``(A) not less than $60,000,000 for fiscal year 
                2024;
                    ``(B) not less than $70,000,000 for fiscal year 
                2025; and
                    ``(C) not less than $100,000,000 for each of fiscal 
                years 2026 through 2028.'';
            (2) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting ``and adults with 
        disabilities (as defined in section 3 of the Americans with 
        Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102))'' before the 
        semicolon at the end;
            (3) by redesignating subsections (c) through (f) as 
        subsections (f) through (i), respectively; and
            (4) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
    ``(c) Benefit Amounts.--Under the seniors farmers' market nutrition 
program--
            ``(1) the minimum individual benefit shall be $35; and
            ``(2) the maximum individual benefit shall be $80.
    ``(d) Certification Period.--The certification period for 
participants in the seniors farmers' market nutrition program shall be 
36 months.
    ``(e) Modernization Grants.--
            ``(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
        of enactment of the Senior Hunger Prevention Act of 2023, the 
        Secretary shall establish a grant program under which the 
        Secretary shall award grants to State agencies, including 
        Tribal organizations (as defined in section 3 of the Food and 
        Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012)) and territories, that 
        administer the senior farmers' market nutrition program to 
        modernize program operations, including--
                    ``(A) by transitioning from paper-based coupons to 
                an electronic transaction technology, such as a web-
                based service or installable software; and
                    ``(B) by increasing benefit utilization at farmers' 
                markets.
            ``(2) Grant amount.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The amount of a grant awarded 
                under paragraph (1) shall not exceed $350,000.
                    ``(B) Supplies.--In the case of an entity that 
                receives a grant under paragraph (1) and uses the grant 
                for purposes described in subparagraph (F) of paragraph 
                (3), not more than $25,000 may be used to carry out 
                that subparagraph.
            ``(3) Eligible expenses.--An entity receiving a grant under 
        paragraph (1) may use the grant for--
                    ``(A) costs associated with procurement of 
                electronic transaction technology;
                    ``(B) planning costs, including personnel costs, 
                relating to electronic transaction technology 
                procurement and implementation;
                    ``(C) costs associated with evaluating the impact 
                of transitioning from coupon-based operations to an 
                electronic transaction technology;
                    ``(D) training, outreach, and promotional material 
                costs, including the costs associated with translating 
                materials;
                    ``(E) maintenance and operations of the electronic 
                transaction technology procured using the grant during 
                the period of performance of the grant;
                    ``(F) the purchase of supplies needed to perform 
                electronic transactions onsite; and
                    ``(G) additional costs associated with modernizing 
                program operations, as determined appropriate by the 
                Secretary.
            ``(4) Reports.--Each entity that receives a grant under 
        paragraph (1) shall submit to the Secretary and the 
        Administrator of the Food and Nutrition Service quarterly 
        performance progress reports on the use of the grant.
            ``(5) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
        to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this 
        subsection $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2024 and each fiscal 
        year thereafter.''.
    (b) Income Guidelines.--The Secretary shall revise section 
249.6(a)(3) of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor 
regulations), so that income eligibility is at or below 200 percent of 
the poverty income guidelines.

SEC. 8. INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING FOR FARMERS' MARKETS; LOCAL PROCUREMENT 
              PILOT PROGRAM.

    The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 is amended by 
inserting after section 4402 (7 U.S.C. 3007) the following:

``SEC. 4403. INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING FOR FARMERS' MARKETS; LOCAL 
              PROCUREMENT PILOT PROGRAM.

    ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) Disability.--The term `disability' has the meaning 
        given the term in section 3 of the Americans with Disabilities 
        Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102).
            ``(2) Financial assistance.--The term `financial 
        assistance' means--
                    ``(A) a loan;
                    ``(B) a loan guarantee; and
                    ``(C) a grant.
            ``(3) Older adult.--The term `older adult' has the meaning 
        given the term `older individual' in section 102 of the Older 
        Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3002).
            ``(4) Program.--The term `program' means the program 
        established under subsection (b).
            ``(5) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary 
        of Agriculture.
    ``(b) Infrastructure Funding for Farmers' Markets.--
            ``(1) Definition of eligible entity.--In this subsection, 
        the term `eligible entity' means an entity that--
                    ``(A) is--
                            ``(i) an agricultural cooperative or other 
                        agricultural business entity or a producer 
                        network or association, including a community 
                        supported agriculture network or association;
                            ``(ii) a local or Tribal government;
                            ``(iii) a nonprofit corporation;
                            ``(iv) a public benefit corporation;
                            ``(v) an economic development corporation;
                            ``(vi) a regional farmers' market 
                        authority;
                            ``(vii) a food council; or
                            ``(viii) any other entity as determined by 
                        the Secretary; and
                    ``(B) can demonstrate financial need, as determined 
                by the Secretary.
            ``(2) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the 
        date of enactment of the Senior Hunger Prevention Act of 2023, 
        the Secretary shall establish a program under which the 
        Secretary shall provide financial assistance to eligible 
        entities for--
                    ``(A) the establishment of new farmers' markets;
                    ``(B) the improvement or rehabilitation of existing 
                farmers' markets, including by adding or improving 
                payment technologies used in those farmers' markets; 
                and
                    ``(C) the expansion of community supported 
                agriculture to serve older adults and adults with 
                disabilities.
            ``(3) Requirements.--An eligible entity that receives 
        financial assistance under the program shall be required--
                    ``(A) to host farmers' markets or related 
                activities at locations accessible--
                            ``(i) by public transportation;
                            ``(ii) by paratransit; or
                            ``(iii) through transportation services 
                        provided under the Older Americans Act of 1965 
                        (42 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.); and
                    ``(B) to reserve not less than 50 percent of the 
                floor area of an applicable farmers' market for the 
                sale of products that are produced locally, as 
                determined by the Secretary, by--
                            ``(i) farmers, ranchers, or aquaculture, 
                        mariculture, or fisheries operators; or
                            ``(ii) associations of farmers, ranchers, 
                        or aquaculture, mariculture, or fisheries 
                        operators.
            ``(4) Cost sharing.--The non-Federal share of a grant 
        provided under the program shall be 20 percent of the amount of 
        the grant, which may comprise transportation costs, volunteer 
        contributions, and in-kind staffing.
            ``(5) Funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit 
        Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this 
        subsection $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 
        2028.
    ``(c) Local Procurement Pilot Program.--
            ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                    ``(A) Agricultural producer.--The term 
                `agricultural producer' includes--
                            ``(i) an agricultural cooperative;
                            ``(ii) a person engaged in farming, 
                        ranching, or aquaculture;
                            ``(iii) a person engaged in the packing of 
                        a food product; and
                            ``(iv) a person engaged in the minimal 
                        processing of a food product, as determined by 
                        the Secretary.
                    ``(B) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' 
                means an entity that--
                            ``(i)(I) coordinates enrollment in and 
                        distribution of benefits under the seniors 
                        farmers' market nutrition program; or
                            ``(II) demonstrates an ability to partner 
                        with an entity that coordinates enrollment in 
                        and distribution of benefits under the seniors 
                        farmers' market nutrition program; and
                            ``(ii) is--
                                    ``(I) a public or nonprofit 
                                provider of nutrition services or 
                                support to older adults or adults with 
                                disabilities, including--
                                            ``(aa) an Aging and 
                                        Disability Resource Center (as 
                                        defined in section 102 of the 
                                        Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 
                                        U.S.C. 3002));
                                            ``(bb) an area agency on 
                                        aging (as defined in that 
                                        section);
                                            ``(cc) a State health 
                                        insurance program;
                                            ``(dd) a State unit on 
                                        aging;
                                            ``(ee) a center for 
                                        independent living;
                                            ``(ff) a community health 
                                        center;
                                            ``(gg) a multipurpose 
                                        senior center; and
                                            ``(hh) federally subsidized 
                                        housing, including federally 
                                        subsidized housing units for 
                                        older adults and adults with 
                                        disabilities; and
                                    ``(II) a local, State, or national 
                                parks and recreation department.
            ``(2) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the 
        date of enactment of the Senior Hunger Prevention Act of 2023, 
        the Secretary shall establish a pilot program under which the 
        Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities to contract 
        with agricultural producers that will grow produce to support 
        the local procurement and contracting of produce for eligible 
        entities.
            ``(3) Priority.--In awarding grants under paragraph (2), 
        the Secretary shall give priority to an eligible entity that 
        will use the grant funds to benefit underserved communities, 
        including communities that are located in areas of concentrated 
        poverty with limited access to fresh locally or regionally 
        grown food.
            ``(4) Methods.--Under a contract described in paragraph 
        (2), an agricultural producer may grow produce through 
        traditional or controlled environmental agriculture farming.
            ``(5) Evaluation.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
        establishment of the pilot program under paragraph (2), the 
        Secretary shall conduct an evaluation of the pilot program.
            ``(6) Funding.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Of the funds of the Commodity 
                Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry 
                out this subsection $350,000 for each of fiscal years 
                2024 through 2028.
                    ``(B) Administrative costs.--Of the amounts made 
                available under subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year, not 
                more than 5 percent may be used for administrative 
                costs.
                    ``(C) Evaluation.--In addition to amounts made 
                available under subparagraph (A), there is appropriated 
                to the Secretary, out of any funds in the Treasury not 
                otherwise appropriated, $25,000 to carry out paragraph 
                (5).''.
                                 &lt;all&gt;
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