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SB 5214

Concerning mobile market programs.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Chapman and 12 co-sponsors

Creates Washington Mobile Market Program in DOH to expand WIC and SFMNP access via nonprofit mobile markets, contingent on USDA funding; requires rulemaking; effective 3/1/2026.

Effective date 3/1/2026.
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Bill Summary · SB 5214

Summary — SB 5214 (2025): Concerning mobile market programs

Status: Chapter 127, 2025 Laws — Governor signed 4/22/2025. Effective date: March 1, 2026.
Introduced: 1/09/2025. Passed Senate 49–0; Passed House 94–1.

Purpose / Intent

SB 5214 establishes a statewide Mobile Market Program within the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) to increase access to fresh, locally grown foods for participants in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), and to support small local farmers. The legislature’s intent is to extend benefits commonly used at farmers markets to nonprofit mobile markets serving areas that lack a permanent farmers market (e.g., rural areas or food deserts).

Key provisions

  • Creates a Mobile Market Program in DOH with goals to expand nutrition access for WIC and SFMNP participants and support local farmers.
  • Program availability is contingent on federal funding being made available to DOH through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
  • DOH must define the program by rule. Minimum rule requirements:
    • Mobile market programs must be operated by nonprofit organizations.
    • Rules must prevent competition between a mobile market and an existing farmers market that participates in the farmers market nutrition program.
  • If necessary, DOH must file a waiver with USDA to permit mobile markets to accept both WIC and SFMNP benefits.
  • No state appropriation included in the bill. A fiscal note is available.

Who is affected

  • WIC participants (pregnant/postpartum people, breastfeeding caregivers, infants and children under age 5) and SFMNP-eligible seniors (age thresholds and income limits under existing federal/state program rules).
  • Nonprofit organizations that operate or seek to operate mobile markets.
  • Local small and family farmers who sell through mobile markets.
  • DOH (responsible for rulemaking and any required federal waiver) and USDA (federal funding/waiver approval).

Operational/Timeline notes

  • Rulemaking by DOH is required to implement program details prior to operation.
  • The program depends on USDA funding/approval; acceptance of WIC and SFMNP benefits at mobile markets may require an approved federal waiver.
  • Law takes effect March 1, 2026 (allows time for DOH rulemaking and federal coordination).

Context

Mobile markets use refrigerated vehicles (buses, vans, trucks) to deliver fresh produce to communities lacking farmers markets. The bill aligns Washington with other states that permit mobile market redemption of WIC and senior farmers market benefits to improve food access in underserved areas.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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