District of Columbia § 7-742.22 Farmers market support program.

District of Columbia Statutes

§ 7-742.22 — Farmers market support program.

District of Columbia § 7-742.22

Title 7Human Health Care and Safety.

Ch. 7AFunctions of the Department of Health.

Subch. III-BFarmers Markets.

This text of District of Columbia § 7-742.22 (Farmers market support program.) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering District of Columbia primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.

Bluebook

D.C. Code § 7-742.22 (2026).

Text

(a)There is established within the Department of Health ("Department") a farmers market support program ("program").

(b)The program shall:

(1)Provide information and technical assistance relating to permitting, licensure, accepting federal and local benefits, and any other relevant support to farmers markets, farm stands, and mobile markets operating or seeking to operate in the District;

(2)Provide recommendations to the Mayor and Council to improve existing District licensing, permitting, and processes for establishing and operating a farmers market, farm stand, or mobile market, including recommendations for implementing the centralized application system established by § 37-131.06(b) ;

(3)Convene and coordinate with District agencies involved in licensing, permitting, an

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(a) There is established within the Department of Health ("Department") a farmers market support program ("program").

(b) The program shall:

(1) Provide information and technical assistance relating to permitting, licensure, accepting federal and local benefits, and any other relevant support to farmers markets, farm stands, and mobile markets operating or seeking to operate in the District;

(2) Provide recommendations to the Mayor and Council to improve existing District licensing, permitting, and processes for establishing and operating a farmers market, farm stand, or mobile market, including recommendations for implementing the centralized application system established by § 37-131.06(b) ;

(3) Convene and coordinate with District agencies involved in licensing, permitting, and supporting farmers markets, farm stands, and mobile markets, including the Office of Planning, the District Department of Transportation, the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Department of Small and Local Business Development, and the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, for the purpose of supporting farmers markets, farm stands, and mobile markets in the District, including establishing the centralized application system under § 37-131.06(b) ;

(4) Create and update annually a publicly available online map of farmers market, farm stand, and mobile market locations, including their hours of operation;

(5) Conduct marketing and promotional activities for farmers markets, farm stands, and mobile markets, with a focus on those located in low food access areas;

(6) Administer the farmers market support grant program established by subsection (d) of this section; and

(7) Procure equipment and services to increase customer access to fresh produce and improve farmers market, farm stand, and mobile market infrastructure.

(c) The program may:

(1) Evaluate the health and economic impacts of farmers markets, farm stands, and mobile markets on customers and nearby businesses;

(2) Apply for federal, state, or private grant programs or other funding opportunities that would support farmers markets, farm stands, or mobile markets in the District or the activities of the program;

(3) Assist farmers markets, farm stands, mobile markets, and their participating vendors with accepting federal or local nutrition benefits;

(4) Assist farmers markets, farm stands, mobile markets, and their participating vendors in obtaining technological equipment, software, or other e-commerce tools; and

(5) Offer direct support to customers, including ride-share benefits, home delivery services, and other programs, that would improve access to farmers markets, farm stands, or mobile markets.

(d) There is established a farmers market support grant program ("farmers market grant") that shall provide at least $140,000 annually in grant funding to support farmers markets, farm stands, and mobile markets located in low food access areas. The grant funding shall be used for:

(1) Purchasing materials to establish or expand a farmers market, farm stand, or mobile market, including tables, tents, signage, storage, and marketing materials;

(2) Financial assistance to an entity located in a low food access area for the purpose of hosting a farmers market, farm stand, or mobile market on its property;

(3) Operational and staffing costs;

(4) Extending operations for an existing farmers market, farm stand, or mobile market during cold weather months outside of its normal operating season;

(5) Public safety and post-market cleanup related services;

(6) Wholesale purchasing, buy-backs, or subscription-based purchasing from vendors at the farmers market, farm stand, or mobile market to provide predictable revenue streams; or

(7) Customer incentives, including matching programs for federal and local benefits and coupons.

(1) The farmers market grant authorized by subsection (d) of this section shall be available to existing farmers markets, farm stands, and mobile markets in low food access areas, and to entities that show sufficient proof, as established by the Department's grant application process, that they intend to operate a farmers market, farm stand, or mobile market in a low food access area.

(2) Preference shall be given to entities that are providing locally grown fruits and vegetables, or which include District-owned businesses as vendors.