249.1—General purpose and scope.
(a)
This part announces regulations under which the Secretary of Agriculture shall carry out the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). The purposes of the SFMNP are to:
(1)
Provide resources in the form of fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs from farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture (CSA) programs to low-income seniors;
(2)
Increase the domestic consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding or aiding in the expansion of domestic farmers' markets, roadside stands, and CSAs; and
(3)
Develop or aid in the development of new and additional farmers' markets, roadside stands, and CSAs.
(b)
These goals will be accomplished through payment of cash grants to approved State agencies. The SFMNP shall be supplementary to the food stamp program carried out under the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2011, et seq.), and to any other Federal or State food or nutrition assistance program under which foods are distributed to needy families in lieu of food stamps.