H.R.2379 - Farmers’ Market Expansion Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2379, the Farmers' Market Expansion Act of 2025, proposes amending the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to include tree nuts (including shelled tree nuts) under the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 26, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Agriculture. The amendment aims to broaden the range of nutritious foods available to seniors through farmers' markets.
The bill seeks to enhance the existing program by adding tree nuts to the list of eligible foods. This expansion is intended to provide seniors with more diverse and healthy options at farmers' markets.
Ultimately, the bill aims to support both seniors' nutrition and local farmers by increasing demand for their products.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to allow seniors participating in the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program to use their benefits to purchase tree nuts at participating farmers' markets. This would likely increase the demand for tree nuts at these markets.
Farmers who sell tree nuts would likely see an increase in sales and revenue. The bill could also encourage more seniors to participate in the program, leading to improved nutrition among this demographic.
The change is relatively minor, focusing on a specific amendment to an existing program, and its overall impact on the broader economy and society is expected to be limited.
Potential Benefits
- Provides seniors with access to a wider variety of nutritious foods, including tree nuts, which are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamins.
- Supports local farmers by increasing demand for their tree nut crops.
- May encourage greater participation in the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, improving overall senior nutrition.
- Could lead to increased awareness of the nutritional benefits of tree nuts among seniors.
- The bill is narrowly focused and addresses a specific need within an existing program, making it relatively easy to implement.
Potential Disadvantages
- The impact is likely to be small and localized, primarily affecting seniors and farmers in areas with participating farmers' markets.
- There may be increased administrative costs associated with adding tree nuts to the program, although these are likely to be minimal.
- Some seniors may have allergies or dietary restrictions that prevent them from consuming tree nuts, limiting the benefit for those individuals.
- The bill does not address broader issues related to food insecurity or access to healthy foods for all seniors.
- Potential for fraud or misuse of benefits, although existing program safeguards should mitigate this risk.
Constitutional Alignment
This bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the US Constitution, as it aims to improve the nutrition and health of senior citizens. The Constitution's preamble states the goal to "promote the general Welfare." By expanding the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program to include tree nuts, the bill seeks to provide seniors with access to healthier food options, potentially improving their overall well-being.
Furthermore, Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. This clause provides the constitutional basis for Congress to enact legislation that supports programs like the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program.
There is no apparent conflict with any specific constitutional provision or amendment. The bill does not infringe upon individual liberties, rights, or privacy, nor does it establish or prohibit any religion.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).