House Bill 555

(COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE)

AN ACT TO CREATE THE MISSISSIPPI HEALTHY FOOD AND FAMILIES PROGRAM; TO DEFINE THE TERMS "ELIGIBLE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES" AND "ELIGIBLE RETAILERS"; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND COMMERCE TO DISTRIBUTE FUNDS TO MISSISSIPPI FARMERS MARKETS AND RETAILERS FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING MATCHING DOLLAR INCENTIVES FOR THE DOLLAR VALUE OF ELIGIBLE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES AT FARMERS MARKETS AND RETAILERS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Mississippi Healthy Food and Families Program."

(2) For purposes of this act, the following terms shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) "Eligible fruits and vegetables" means any fresh or frozen, whole or cut fruits and vegetables that do not contain added sugar, fat, oil or salt.

(b) "Eligible retailers" means a small business whose principal office is located in Mississippi and that has a demonstrated commitment to procuring Mississippi-grown foods, including fruits and vegetables.

(3) Subject to appropriation, the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce shall fund qualified nonprofit organizations, who will distribute incentive dollars to participating Mississippi farmers markets and retailers, for developing a nutrition incentive program to double the purchasing power of Mississippi residents with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables, support farmers and invest in Mississippi's local economy.

(4) The designated nonprofit organizations shall have a demonstrated track record of:

(a) Building a statewide network;

(b) Implementing such funds for distribution and reporting processes;

(c) Providing training and technical assistance to farmers markets, produce stands, and direct producer-to-consumer venues;

(d) Conducting community outreach and data collection; and

(e) Providing full accounting and administration of funds distributed to farmers markets and retailers.

(5) At least ninety percent (90%) of the money deposited into the Mississippi Healthy Food and Families Program shall be distributed to participating Mississippi farmers markets, produce stands and retailers for healthy food incentives. A maximum of ten percent (10%) of the money deposited into the Mississippi Healthy Food and Families Program may be used for administrative costs.

(6) Guidelines and eligibility for the Mississippi Healthy Food and Families Program will be established by the Department of Agriculture, consistent with the U.S. Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.