EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act

The EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act (S 3390) requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to change how it purchases food, directing it to prioritize foods from specific groups and categories. It mandates USDA to increase purchases from beginning/veteran/socially disadvantaged farmers, foods supporting worker rights (like unionized vendors), climate-friendly options (with deforestation policies), and diversified supply chains (like local food hubs). The bill also requires annual public reports tracking spending across these categories and greenhouse gas emissions from USDA food procurement. This directly affects USDA’s $10+ billion annual food procurement programs, impacting small farms, food banks, school meal programs, and food suppliers nationwide.