H.R. 2236: Healthy Foods for Native Seniors Act

This bill, titled the Healthy Foods for Native Seniors Act, aims to create a demonstration project that allows Tribal entities to purchase agricultural commodities through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). The main objectives are to enhance food access for Native seniors and allow Tribal organizations to better manage food distribution efforts. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill entails:

Establishment of a Demonstration Project

The bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a demonstration project that will enable one or more Tribal entities to enter into self-determination contracts. These contracts would allow them to purchase agricultural commodities as part of the CSFP.

Definitions and Terms

Key terms in the bill include:

• Demonstration project: The specific program established by the Secretary for this purpose.
• Food distribution program: Refers to the CSFP under the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973.
• Indian reservation: Defined as in the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008.
• Tribal entity: Includes Indian reservations, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations.
• Self-determination contract: A contract defined in the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.

Eligibility for Participation

The Secretary will consult with Tribal entities to determine how they can participate in the project. Participation criteria will include:

• Successful administration of the food distribution program.
• Capacity to purchase agricultural commodities.
• Other criteria as determined by the Secretary in consultation with Tribal entities and the Secretary of the Interior.

Procurement Conditions

Any agricultural commodities purchased under the demonstration project must meet specific requirements:

• They must be domestically produced.
• There should not be a significant increase in the total amount of food provided to the Tribal entity compared to existing standards.
• The commodities must be of similar or higher nutritional value than what is typically supplied or have significance to the Tribal entity.
• They must adhere to any additional criteria set by the Secretary.

Reporting Requirements

The Secretary is required to submit reports to the relevant congressional committees. This includes an annual report describing the project's activities for the previous year, starting from one year after the funding is appropriated.

Funding Provisions

The bill authorizes $5 million to be appropriated for the implementation of the project, with the funds available until expended. It also outlines provisions for staffing and administration, with a minimum of $1.2 million authorized for salaries and benefits related to managing self-determination contracts for each fiscal year from 2026 to 2029.

Administration of Contracts

The Secretary will appoint an office within the Department of Agriculture to manage the administration of Tribal self-determination contracts, which includes the selection process for Tribal entities and hiring necessary personnel.

Relevant Companies

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