SB 53 DE

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Passed Legislature

This Act codifies the Delaware Farm and Food Council’s Farm to Community Program as a state-led initiative called the Delaware Farm to Community Program. The Farm to Community Program launched in 2023 under the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement (LFPA). In 2 ½ growing seasons, the Farm to Community Program has effectively expanded the purchasing power of community outlets to procure local food products from local farmers and distribute the food products to individuals in need or facing food insecurity in Delaware’s urban and rural communities. Through this model, currently, 31 local farmers supply more than 100 varieties of fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products to 9 community outlets that serve 105 food distribution sites. The USDA canceled LFPA funding in 2025. Codifying the Farm to Community Program ensures continuity, strengthens Delaware’s food system infrastructure, increases availability of fresh and healthy seasonal foods, and increases the economic viability of local farmers, particularly small and medium-scale farmers.

• Gerald W. Hocker Republican · primary
• Russell Huxtable Democratic · primary
• William J. Carson Democratic · primary
• Ronald E. Gray Republican · primary
• Claire Snyder-Hall Democratic · primary
• Dave G. Lawson Republican · primary
• Brian Pettyjohn Republican · primary
• Marie Pinkney Democratic · primary
• David L. Wilson Republican · primary
• Stell Parker Selby · primary
• Ray Seigfried Democratic · primary
• Spiros Mantzavinos Democratic · primary
• Lyndon D. Yearick Republican · primary

1. May 19, 2026 Introduced and Assigned to Agriculture Committee in Senate · upper
2. Jun 10, 2026 Reported Out of Committee (Agriculture) in Senate with 6 Favorable · upper
3. Jun 11, 2026 Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT · upper
4. Jun 11, 2026 Assigned to Agriculture Committee in House · lower
5. Jun 17, 2026 Reported Out of Committee (Agriculture) in House with 6 Favorable, 3 On Its Merits · lower
6. Jun 30, 2026 Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 ABSENT · lower