Bill would set aside money for two food access programs

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services would allocate $4 million to the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association for FarmSHARE grants. FarmSHARE works with partners to buy locally grown food and distribute it free to food-insecure people and households across North Carolina. The Association would use the money to provide grants supporting FarmSHARE and its work with partners across the state. The money would be for the 2026–2027 fiscal year. The bill would take effect July 1, 2026.

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services would provide a $2 million grant to the North Carolina Farmers Market Network. The grants would help North Carolina residents receiving federal or state nutrition assistance access produce sold at farmers markets, food hubs, and other direct farm retail outlets. The Network would run the grant program through Double Up Food Bucks. Eligible produce includes fresh, canned, dried, or frozen fruits and vegetables without added sodium, sugars, fats, or oils. The money would be for the 2026–2027 fiscal year. The bill would take effect July 1, 2026.

The Department would report each year on the grants and program activity while the appropriated money remains unspent. FarmSHARE reports would cover participating farmers and locations, and the amount of food distributed. Double Up reports would cover participants, farmers, locations, grants used, and the rate at which participants used benefits. Reports would go to the named legislative oversight committee and the Fiscal Research Division. FarmSHARE reporting would use information from the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association. Reports would be due by October 1 and cover the prior fiscal year. Reporting would continue until all funds for the relevant section have been spent.