Bill > SB5214

This bill establishes a mobile market program to improve access to fresh, healthy foods for low-income households in rural or underserved areas. The legislature recognizes that some communities lack easy access to farmers markets and wants to support both local farmers and nutrition assistance program participants. The bill creates a new program within the state department of health that will allow nonprofit mobile markets to accept benefits from the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Programs. The department is required to develop rules for the program, ensuring that mobile markets do not compete with existing farmers markets and are operated by nonprofit organizations. If necessary, the department will seek a federal waiver to allow mobile markets to accept nutrition program benefits. The program is contingent on continued funding from the United States Department of Agriculture. The goals are to increase nutrition access for program participants, support local farmers, and provide fresh food options to households in food deserts or rural areas with limited market access. The mobile market program is set to take effect on March 1, 2026.

Education, Labor and Employment

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5214&Year=2025&Initiative=false