S.1145 - Farmers’ Market Expansion Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Farmers' Market Expansion Act of 2025 (S.1145) aims to amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to include tree nuts in the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program. This bill was introduced in the Senate on March 26, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. The primary change involves adding "tree nuts (including shelled tree nuts)" to the list of eligible foods under the program, expanding the nutritional options available to senior citizens.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would broaden the scope of the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program. This change would allow seniors to use their benefits to purchase tree nuts at farmers' markets. The intended outcome is to improve the nutritional intake of participating seniors and provide additional support to farmers' markets by increasing demand for their products.
Potential Benefits
- Provides seniors with access to a wider variety of nutritious foods, specifically tree nuts.
- Supports farmers' markets by increasing demand for locally grown tree nuts.
- May improve the overall health and well-being of participating seniors through enhanced nutrition.
- Could potentially stimulate local economies by directing federal funds to farmers' markets.
- Aligns with the goal of promoting healthy eating habits among older adults.
Potential Disadvantages
- The financial impact of including tree nuts may strain existing program resources, potentially reducing benefits for other food groups.
- There may be logistical challenges in ensuring that farmers' markets can consistently supply tree nuts.
- Some seniors may have allergies or dietary restrictions that prevent them from consuming tree nuts.
- The bill does not address potential price increases of tree nuts due to increased demand.
- There is a risk of fraud or misuse of benefits if proper oversight is not implemented.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve the health and nutrition of senior citizens. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to spend for the general welfare of the United States. The amendment to the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 falls under Congress's power to regulate agriculture and provide for the well-being of its citizens.
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).