# What the Farmers' Market Expansion Act of 2025 Actually Does

This bill makes a simple but meaningful change to a federal program that helps seniors buy fresh food at farmers' markets. Right now, there's a government program that gives vouchers to older Americans so they can purchase fresh produce and herbs directly from local farmers. This bill adds tree nuts—like almonds, walnuts, pecans, and cashews, whether they're in their shells or already shelled—to the list of foods seniors can buy with these vouchers.

The practical impact is straightforward: seniors who participate in this program will have more nutritious options available to them. Tree nuts are packed with healthy fats, protein, and other nutrients that are especially important for older adults. Instead of being limited to just fruits, vegetables, and herbs, seniors can now use their farmers' market vouchers to purchase nuts as well. This means a 75-year-old could use their voucher to buy locally-grown almonds or walnuts at their neighborhood farmers' market, giving them access to nutrient-dense foods they might not otherwise afford.

For local farmers and farmers' markets, this is good news too. It expands the market for nut growers who sell directly to consumers and gives farmers' markets another reason for seniors to visit. The change is small in scope—it only affects what foods are covered under this one existing program—but it recognizes that tree nuts are a valuable part of a healthy diet and deserve to be included alongside the fresh produce and herbs that seniors can already purchase.

Farmers’ Market Expansion Act of 2025

Moore, Barry

Farmers’ Market Expansion Act of 2025This bill includes tree nuts (including shelled tree nuts) as one of the eligible foods under the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP).&nbsp;The Department of Agriculture's&nbsp;SFMNP provides grants to participating states to provide low-income seniors with coupons/vouchers that&nbsp;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, honey, and herbs).