Plain Language Summary
# MAPLE Act Summary The MAPLE Act (Making Agricultural Products Locally Essential Act) would add maple syrup to the list of foods that low-income seniors can purchase using vouchers from the federal Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). Currently, the program provides grants to states that give eligible seniors coupons to buy fresh produce, herbs, and honey at farmers' markets and similar local food sources. This bill would simply expand that list to include maple syrup as an approved food item. The bill would directly benefit low-income seniors who participate in the SFMNP, as well as maple syrup producers, particularly in Vermont and other northeastern states where maple production is significant.
It's a relatively modest change that aims to support both senior nutrition and local agricultural economies. As of now, the bill is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Making Agricultural Products Locally Essential Act or the 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
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.