US HB6697

Amends the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to authorize $200 million annually for fiscal years 2026-2030 for states to purchase priority agricultural products (fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, seafood, grains, poultry) from eligible small businesses for distribution through emergency feeding organizations

Defines eligible entities as small businesses including growers, packers, processors, distributors, food hubs, and cooperatives that are underserved (women-owned or veteran-owned) or source from beginning farmers and small/mid-sized family farms

Requires states to submit operational plans identifying eligible entities, emergency feeding organizations, and priority products that are culturally or religiously relevant to local communities receiving the food

Creates a cross-agency working group within USDA to review how department procurement can support a wider range of agricultural producers while advancing nutrition security, resilient local food systems, and rural job creation

Mandates Secretary of Agriculture issue implementation guidance within 180 days and submit a report to Congress within 4 years evaluating effectiveness in providing nutritious food, improving supply chain resiliency, and expanding economic opportunity for eligible entities