NUTRITION INFORMATION AND AWARENESS PILOT

The 2002 Farm Bill allows the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a pilot program to increase the domestic consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables in not more than 5 states, for a period not to exceed 4 years. The purpose of this program will be to provide funds to States solely for the purpose of assisting eligible public and private sector entities with 50% cost-share assistance to carry out demonstration projects to increase fruit and vegetable consumption and to convey related health promotion messages.

At the current time, this pilot program has not yet been established by the Secretary of Agriculture. If appropriated this would be a great opportunity for a farmers market or farmers market group to join with the State to establish a pilot program to increase consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables and promote health.

Funding
The 2002 Farm Bill authorized $10 million to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2007. To date, however, Congress has not appropriated any funds for this program.

Eligibility
A participating State must establish eligibility criteria under which the State may select public and private sector entities to carry out demonstration projects under the program. No funds made available to the States may be given to any foreign for-profit corporation.

Application and Financial
Information In selecting States, the Secretary must consider any experience in carrying out similar projects or activities, innovative approaches, and the ability of the State to promote and track increases in levels of fruit and vegetable consumption. The Secretary may also use funds to enhance existing State programs.

The Federal share of the cost of any project or activity carried out under this program is 50%.