H.R. 9474 aims to amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 by directing the Secretary of Agriculture to create the Local Foods for Healthy Schools Program. This program is likely intended to promote the use of locally sourced food in schools, enhancing the nutritional quality of meals provided to students and supporting local farmers.
Supporters of H.R. 9474 have praised the bill for its potential to improve student health through better nutrition and for its role in supporting local agriculture. Media coverage highlights the benefits of connecting schools with local food producers, which can lead to fresher meal options and bolster local economies.
Critics of H.R. 9474 express concerns about the feasibility and cost of implementing the Local Foods for Healthy Schools Program. Some media outlets argue that the bill may place additional burdens on schools already facing budget constraints and question the logistics of sourcing local foods consistently.
The analysis of H.R. 9474, which aims to establish the Local Foods for Healthy Schools Program, reveals no direct industry overlaps between the sponsor, Kristen McDonald Rivet, and her top donor industries. The lobbying activity in this policy area includes significant contributions from Vertex Pharmaceuticals ($60,000) and Smart Approaches to Marijuana ($20,000), among others. However, these contributions do not directly relate to agricultural marketing or local food initiatives, suggesting a low risk of conflict of interest. Voters should be aware that while there is lobbying activity, it does not appear to influence the bill's objectives directly.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED | MARSHALL & POPP, LLC | $60,000 |
| SUN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES, INC. | MARSHALL & POPP, LLC | $60,000 |
| SANOFI U.S. SERVICES, INC. | MARSHALL & POPP, LLC | $60,000 |
| WAYFINDER GROUP (OBO RESEARCH CORPORATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII) | RED MAPLE CONSULTING, LLC | $40,000 |
| ECKERD CONNECTS | KOUNTOUPES DENHAM CARR & REID, LLC | $30,000 |
| SMART APPROACHES TO MARIJUANA | OFF HILL STRATEGIES L.L.C. | $20,000 |
| FEDERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER COS OF JAPAN | GEORGE H. DENISON | $10,000 |
| MAYO CLINIC | MCDERMOTT WILL & SCHULTE LLP | undisclosed |
| VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS, INC. | MARSHALL & POPP, LLC | undisclosed |
| THE BIG TEN CONFERENCE, INC. | MARSHALL & POPP, LLC | undisclosed |
| THE BIG 12 CONFERENCE, INC. | MARSHALL & POPP, LLC | undisclosed |
| SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE | MARSHALL & POPP, LLC | undisclosed |
| PAC-12 CONFERENCE | MARSHALL & POPP, LLC | undisclosed |
| ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE | MARSHALL & POPP, LLC | undisclosed |
| SAPPHIRE DIGITAL | MARSHALL & POPP, LLC | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Kristen McDonald Rivet, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
