May 16, 2013

Rep. Vargas Cosponsors “Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013” to Promote Healthy Food Options

Washington, DC (May 16, 2013) –Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) is proudly cosponsoring H.R. 1414, the “Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013”, introduced by Rep. Chellie Pingree (ME-1), which would expand opportunities for local and regional farmers, make it easier for consumers to have access to healthy foods, and provide purchase incentive programs for fruits and vegetables to those enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 

“The ‘Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013’ is a much-needed, comprehensive bill that emphasizes healthier eating options,” said Rep. Vargas.  “Providing residents with direct access to locally grown, healthy food options not only supports the improvement of overall diets and health status, but helps stimulate the economy.”

The “Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013” contains numerous provisions that assist in promoting local farming including, but not limited to, helping farmers build infrastructure to process and sell their food locally, and providing local schools with a credit to purchase local foods.  In addition, it increases funding for nutrition-based programs, such as the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program and community food projects. 

“Healthy, local food should be accessible to all.  It is imperative that our local and regional farmers have the ability to sell their products directly to those in surrounding communities,” said Rep. Vargas.  “This bill is a holistic approach to ensure that healthy food options are available to all regardless of their proximity to a supermarket.”

Vargas represents the California 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire US/Mexico border.  Vargas was elected to Congress in 2012.  He represented the 40th California State Senate District from 2010-2012, the 79th California State Assembly District from 2000 – 2006 and served on the San Diego City Council from 1993 – 2000.