The EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act is designed to improve how the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) purchases food, aiming to create a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable food system. By leveraging its significant purchasing power, the USDA seeks to support local economies, enhance worker conditions, protect the environment, promote equity, and ensure animal welfare. The Act includes several key provisions that require the USDA to prioritize food purchases from specific groups, such as beginning farmers, veteran farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, and small or medium-sized farms.