ASSEMBLY AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY COMMITTEE

 

STATEMENT TO

 

ASSEMBLY, No. 2364

 

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

 

DATED:  FEBRUARY 14, 2022

 

      The Assembly Agriculture and Food Security Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 2364.

      This bill would make a supplemental appropriation for State Fiscal Year 2022 of $800,000 to the Department of Health (DOH).  The bill would direct the DOH to utilize the funds to implement the use of electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards by persons participating in the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP).

      The federally funded SFMNP helps provide locally grown unprepared fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs to eligible seniors 60 years of age or older.  Qualified seniors receive five $5 checks during the growing season to purchase locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables at participating roadside stands and community farmers markets across the State.