The bill aims to support Washington farmers and enhance food distribution to families in need by amending existing laws and establishing new programs. It modifies RCW 43.23.330 to create a Washington farm donation grant program, which focuses on procuring locally grown produce, grains, dairy, and protein that would otherwise go to waste. The program prioritizes organizations with at least five years of experience in coordinating the collection and transportation of donated agricultural products to food banks, ensuring equitable benefits for diverse food producers, including minority and vulnerable farmers.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section to establish a farm to food pantry program, which aims to strengthen community-based food systems by providing upfront funding and support for nonprofit hunger relief organizations to purchase directly from local small-scale farmers. The department is tasked with issuing grants to facilitate these wholesale contracts and requires recipient organizations to report on their fund usage. The act is officially titled the Washington farmers feeding families act, reflecting its focus on supporting local agriculture and addressing food insecurity.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 43.23.330