Rep. Lauren Underwood Introduces Two New Bills Expanding Access to Farmers’ Markets and Healthy Local Food

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) introduced the Farmers to Families Act, bipartisan legislation co-led by Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-02), and the New Markets for Farmers and Families Act. Together, these bills expand opportunities for farmers to sell their products and increase our community’s access to healthy, fresh, and local food.

The New Markets for Farmers and Families Act strengthens the Farmers’ Market and Local Food Promotion Program at USDA and provides dedicated funding to open new farmers’ markets in neighborhoods without them. The legislation increases funding for the program and reduces barriers for farmers to reach families in underserved areas.

The Farmers to Families Act modernizes the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to make it easier for families to buy fresh food from local farmers. The legislation also makes it easier for local farmers to accept WIC benefits, and expands technical assistance and support for farmers and farmers’ markets at USDA.

“Illinois agriculture goes far beyond commodity crops—our farmers also grow world-class fruits and vegetables that help keep our families fed and healthy. Every family in our community should have the opportunity to purchase fresh, healthy, Illinois-grown food,” said Congresswoman Underwood. “With these bills, we are modernizing outdated systems so farmers can sell directly to their communities, and we’re making sure that families can easily use their benefits to purchase that fresh and local food.”

“This bill cuts red tape, supports local farmers, and makes it easier for families to buy fresh, healthy food,” said Congressman Van Drew. "It’s a no-cost, common-sense update that keeps federal dollars working in our local farm economy. That’s why I’m proud to co-lead this effort.”

"The Farmers Market Coalition is pleased to endorse the Farmers to Families Act," said Willa Sheikh, Executive Director, Farmers Market Coalition, "The bill takes important steps to increase income opportunities for small-scale farmers, while providing more healthy food choices for families who rely on WIC." 

"Federal nutrition benefits, like WIC, are essential for many low-income families to access healthy foods, yet regulations make it difficult for families to use their benefits for fresh foods from local farmers,” said Hannah Quigley, Policy Specialist, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. “This needlessly reduces access for families and diverts money away from local farmers to dollar or corner stores. NSAC thanks Representatives Underwood and Van Drew for their leadership in introducing the Farmers to Families Act - a pragmatic solution to allow families more access to farm fresh products for families and greater market access for farmers." 

Farmers’ markets across northern Illinois offer families fresh food grown on Illinois farmland, such as peaches, apples, grapes, horseradish, and melons. But outdated rules make it difficult to use nutrition benefits at local markets. At the same time, many farmers are locked out of federal nutrition programs due to redundant application processes, a need for multiple payment devices, and a lack of technical support.

The Farmers to Families Act is supported by the Farmers’ Market Coalition and the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. 

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