Making Agricultural Products Locally Essential (MAPLE) Act
Making Agricultural Products Locally Essential (MAPLE) Act
Plain Language Summary
# MAPLE Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** The MAPLE Act would expand the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) to include maple syrup as an eligible food that low-income seniors can purchase with government-provided coupons. Currently, the program allows seniors to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey at farmers' markets and similar venues, but maple syrup is not included. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily benefit low-income seniors who participate in the SFMNP, as well as maple syrup producers and farmers' markets in states with active programs.
The change would be especially relevant in states like New York (where the bill's sponsor is from) that have significant maple syrup production. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House. It was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Nicholas Langworthy (R-NY).
CRS Official Summary
Making Agricultural Products Locally Essential Act (MAPLE) ActThis bill includes maple syrup as one of the eligible foods under the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP).As background, the Department of Agriculture's SFMNP provides grants to participating states to provide low-income seniors with coupons/vouchers that may be used at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs to purchase eligible foods (i.e., fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally-grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey).
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture.