D.C. would offer market grants in low food access areas if budgeted

The Health Department would offer at least $250,000 each year in grants for eligible markets. Existing farmers markets, farm stands, and mobile markets in low food access areas could apply. So could groups planning to operate one there. Groups planning a market must show the Health Department proof that they intend to operate in a qualifying area. Applicants offering locally grown fruits and vegetables or including D.C.-owned businesses as vendors would get preference. The grant program would apply once its costs are included in an approved budget and financial plan.

The Health Department would offer permit guidance and coordinate agencies that work with markets. The program would serve farmers markets, farm stands, and mobile markets operating or seeking to operate in D.C. These duties would apply once their costs are included in an approved budget and financial plan.

The Mayor would give farmers markets one online application for licenses and permits. Farmers markets could send documents to one agency for review by other relevant agencies. The portal would show missing documents and pending approvals. The Mayor would also post standard operating requirements for farmers markets, farm stands, and mobile markets. The law calls for the system by January 1, 2028; the requirement applies once its costs are included in an approved budget and financial plan.

The Mayor would waive license, permit, and temporary parking restriction fees. The waiver would cover farmers markets, farm stands, and mobile markets located in or applying to locate in a low food access area. A qualifying area must have more than 20% of households earning no more than 185% of the federal poverty line. At least 500 residents or 33% of residents, whichever is greater, must live more than half a mile or a 10-minute walk from a grocery store. The waiver would apply once its costs are included in an approved budget and financial plan.