Bills · S 2338
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 2338Agriculture and Food
Strengthening Local Food Security Act of 2025
INTRO JUL 17· LAST ACTION JUL 17
READING
9MIN
COSPONSORS
4BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it tackles food insecurity and supports local economies at the same time. If it becomes law, it would create a dedicated federal funding stream to help local governments build stronger, more resilient food systems by purchasing food directly from local producers, particularly those who are often overlooked. This could provide more stable income and market access for small farms and fishing operations, while simultaneously increasing the availability of fresh, local food for food banks and school lunch programs, benefiting vulnerable populations.
If the bill doesn't pass, communities and local producers would continue to rely on existing, potentially less direct or more competitive funding and market structures. This legislation offers a specific approach to strengthen local food infrastructure, which could be vital during economic downturns or other disruptions, ensuring that people have access to food and local producers have reliable buyers.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes the "Strengthening Local Food Security Program" under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946.
This is the core mechanism for the bill's goals, setting up a new federal program to fund local food initiatives.
PROVISION 02
Defines "covered producer" to include small, mid-sized, beginning, veteran, and underserved fishers, farmers, and ranchers.
This ensures the program specifically targets support to particular types of producers, often those facing greater economic challenges.
PROVISION 03
Requires non-competitive allocation of funds to eligible units of government (states, territories, Tribal governments) based on a formula.
This simplifies access to federal funds for eligible governments, potentially speeding up program implementation and ensuring broad geographic distribution.
PROVISION 04
Mandates that food purchased through the program must come from producers within the eligible government's geographic boundaries or within 400 miles of the delivery destination.
This ensures the program directly supports local and regional economies and aims to reduce the environmental impact of long-distance food transport.
PROVISION 05
Directs that food purchased under the program be distributed to hunger relief organizations and schools participating in federal meal programs.
This directly addresses food insecurity and aims to improve nutrition for vulnerable populations, including students and individuals in need.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 4
D· Rhode Island
YRS IN OFFICE
35
BILLS LED
43
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 50%
DEM 3 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJUL 17
Introduced in Senate
JUL 17
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S4458)
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 2338
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJul 17, 2025
Last actionJul 17, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JUL 17, 2025
Senate BillS 2338Agriculture and Food
Strengthening Local Food Security Act of 2025
INTRODUCED JUL 17, 2025· LAST ACTION JUL 17, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
9 min
COSPONSORS
4
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
