
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 2, 2001]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 2, 2001 and January 28, 2002]
[CITE: 7USC2034]

 
                          TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
 
                     CHAPTER 51--FOOD STAMP PROGRAM
 
Sec. 2034. Assistance for community food projects


(a) ``Community food projects'' defined

    In this section, the term ``community food project'' means a 
community-based project that requires a 1-time infusion of Federal 
assistance to become self-sustaining and that is designed to--
        (1) meet the food needs of low-income people;
        (2) increase the self-reliance of communities in providing for 
    their own food needs; and
        (3) promote comprehensive responses to local food, farm, and 
    nutrition issues.

(b) Authority to provide assistance

                           (1) In general

        From amounts made available to carry out this chapter, the 
    Secretary may make grants to assist eligible private nonprofit 
    entities to establish and carry out community food projects.

                      (2) Limitation on grants

        The total amount of funds provided as grants under this section 
    may not exceed--
            (A) $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1996; and
            (B) $2,500,000 for each of fiscal years 1997 through 2002.

(c) Eligible entities

    To be eligible for a grant under subsection (b) of this section, a 
private nonprofit entity must--
        (1) have experience in the area of--
            (A) community food work, particularly concerning small and 
        medium-sized farms, including the provision of food to people in 
        low-income communities and the development of new markets in 
        low-income communities for agricultural producers; or
            (B) job training and business development activities for 
        food-related activities in low-income communities;

        (2) demonstrate competency to implement a project, provide 
    fiscal accountability, collect data, and prepare reports and other 
    necessary documentation; and
        (3) demonstrate a willingness to share information with 
    researchers, practitioners, and other interested parties.

(d) Preference for certain projects

    In selecting community food projects to receive assistance under 
subsection (b) of this section, the Secretary shall give a preference to 
projects designed to--
        (1) develop linkages between 2 or more sectors of the food 
    system;
        (2) support the development of entrepreneurial projects;
        (3) develop innovative linkages between the for-profit and 
    nonprofit food sectors; or
        (4) encourage long-term planning activities and multi-system, 
    interagency approaches.

(e) Matching funds requirements

                          (1) Requirements

        The Federal share of the cost of establishing or carrying out a 
    community food project that receives assistance under subsection (b) 
    of this section may not exceed 50 percent of the cost of the project 
    during the term of the grant.

                           (2) Calculation

        In providing for the non-Federal share of the cost of carrying 
    out a community food project, the entity receiving the grant shall 
    provide for the share through a payment in cash or in kind, fairly 
    evaluated, including facilities, equipment, or services.

                             (3) Sources

        An entity may provide for the non-Federal share through State 
    government, local government, or private sources.

(f) Term of grant

                          (1) Single grant

        A community food project may be supported by only a single grant 
    under subsection (b) of this section.

                              (2) Term

        The term of a grant under subsection (b) of this section may not 
    exceed 3 years.

(g) Technical assistance and related information

                      (1) Technical assistance

        In carrying out this section, the Secretary may provide 
    technical assistance regarding community food projects, processes, 
    and development to an entity seeking the assistance.

                       (2) Sharing information

        (A) In general

            The Secretary may provide for the sharing of information 
        concerning community food projects and issues among and between 
        government, private for-profit and nonprofit groups, and the 
        public through publications, conferences, and other appropriate 
        forums.

        (B) Other interested parties

            The Secretary may share information concerning community 
        food projects with researchers, practitioners, and other 
        interested parties.

(h) Evaluation

                           (1) In general

        The Secretary shall provide for the evaluation of the success of 
    community food projects supported using funds under this section.

                             (2) Report

        Not later than January 30, 2002, the Secretary shall submit a 
    report to Congress regarding the results of the evaluation.

(Pub. L. 88-525, Sec. 25, as added Pub. L. 104-127, title IV, 
Sec. 401(h), Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1027.)

                  Section Referred to in Other Sections

    This section is referred to in section 3315 of this title.
