To amend the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 with respect to the use of cash-value benefits and coupons for purchases of fresh, nutritious, unprepared foods from community supported agricultural entities, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by Jeff Van Drew and 1 co-sponsor

Expands allowing cash-value benefits to buy fresh, unprepared foods from CSAs, boosting access to local nutrition for beneficiaries and supporting CSA networks.

Introduced in House

Overview

HR 6776 is a House bill introduced on December 17, 2025, that seeks to amend the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to address the use of cash-value benefits and coupons for purchases of fresh, nutritious, unprepared foods from community-supported agricultural (CSA) entities, along with other related purposes. The measure was referred to the House committees on Education and Workforce and on Agriculture for consideration of provisions within their respective jurisdictions.

Purpose and intent

Expand or modify the authorization framework governing how cash-value benefits (such as SNAP benefits) and related coupons can be used to purchase fresh, nutritious, unprepared foods from CSAs.

Align child nutrition program provisions with access to locally produced, nutritious foods via CSA networks.

Potentially broaden participation or utilization of federal nutrition programs in support of agricultural/community-supported food systems.

Key provisions (high-level, based on title)

Note: The full text of the bill would detail exact language, definitions, funding, and administration. The following points are derived from the bill’s title and stated aim.
- Amending the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to permit (or expand permission for) using cash-value benefits and coupons at CSAs that offer fresh, nutritious, unprepared foods.
- Establishing or clarifying criteria for what qualifies as “fresh, nutritious, unprepared foods” in the context of CSA purchases.
- Affecting administration and implementation rules of federal child nutrition programs to accommodate CSA transactions.
- Including “other purposes” related to the overall framework, which could involve administrative, reporting, or program integrity provisions.

Who would be affected

Beneficiaries of federal nutrition programs that provide cash-value benefits or coupons (e.g., participants in SNAP or related programs).

Community Supported Agriculture entities and farmers who participate in CSA networks and accept federal benefits.

Agencies administering federal nutrition programs (primarily within USDA) and state agencies implementing these programs.

Retailers and CSA marketplaces that would process eligible benefit transactions.

Potential impacts and considerations

Access: Could enhance access to fresh, locally sourced foods for program participants.

Local agriculture: May promote CSA participation and support for local farming networks.

Administrative changes: Likely would require updates to program rules, benefit redemption systems, and partnership mechanisms between federal programs and CSAs.

Compliance and monitoring: Could necessitate new verification, reporting, and funding considerations to ensure proper use of benefits.

Next steps for readers

Monitor for the full text of the bill to review precise definitions, eligibility criteria, funding, and implementation details.

Watch for committee hearings, amendments, and potential floor action to understand the final scope and impact.

Consider how the proposed changes might affect participants, CSAs, and state program administrators if enacted.

Bill