; and (B) after the eligible entity provides documentation that the payment under subparagraph (A) has been spent, pay the remaining amount under the contract in 2 disbursements of equal value. (f) Program administration (1) Qualifying entities The Secretary shall— (A) maintain a list of qualifying entities that participate in the program; and (B) conduct outreach to ensure that qualifying entities are made aware of the program. (2) Equity and geographic reach (A) In general In carrying out the program each fiscal year, the Secretary shall enter into contracts with eligible entities in a manner that ensures that the total value of contracts entered into in each State is proportionate to the number of households and individuals living in poverty within the State, as determined by the Secretary. (B) Diversity The Secretary shall award multiple contracts under the program to eligible entities located in or serving each region of the Food and Nutrition Service to provide opportunities to a broad range of producers and eligible entities. (3) Vulnerable areas In carrying out the program, the Secretary shall establish a process— (A) to determine the areas most in need of produce provision under the program, including rural areas, the territories and possessions of the United States, and areas under the jurisdiction of a Tribal government; and (B) to ensure that those areas are served by the program. (4) Financial information and assistance The Secretary shall provide— (A) information to assist small farmers, beginning farmers, veteran farmers, and socially disadvantaged farmers in obtaining food safety certifications; and (B) financial assistance to cover the associated costs of necessary changes and upgrades to practices and equipment to improve food safety. (5) Technical assistance The Secretary shall provide technical assistance to eligible entities participating in the program with respect to— (A) the contract terms and expectations applicable to those eligible entities