Food Deserts Act

Food Deserts Act

This bill establishes a grant program within the Department of Agriculture to reduce food deserts. Under the program, grants are provided to states for revolving funds that support the establishment and operation of grocery stores in underserved communities. Underserved communities are communities that have (1) limited access to affordable, healthy foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, in grocery retail stores or farmer-to-consumer direct markets; and (2) a high rate of hunger, a high rate of food insecurity, or a high poverty rate.

The bill requires states to use such funds for loans that support grocery stores in underserved communities, including for opening a store (excluding new construction), or supporting an existing store.

In order to qualify for loans, grocery stores must meet criteria enumerated in the bill. For example, grocery stores must (1) emphasize unprocessed, healthful foods; (2) provide staple foods and a variety of raw fruits and vegetables; and (3) charge affordable prices at or below market values.

Further, states must prioritize loan applications from entities that meet criteria related to

• hiring workers from the underserved community,
• providing classes or educational information about a healthful diet,
• sourcing food from local urban farms and gardens, or
• demonstrating existing supply chain relationships or expertise in the grocery industry.

The Food Deserts Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 1230, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress aimed at addressing the issue of food deserts in the United States. Food deserts are areas where residents have limited access to affordable and nutritious food, often due to a lack of grocery stores or other healthy food options.

The Food Deserts Act seeks to combat this problem by providing funding and resources to increase access to healthy food in underserved communities. The bill includes provisions for grants to support the development of new grocery stores, farmers markets, and other food retail outlets in food desert areas. It also includes funding for programs that promote healthy eating habits and nutrition education in these communities.

Additionally, the Food Deserts Act aims to improve transportation options for residents in food desert areas to access healthy food options. This may include funding for public transportation initiatives or other programs to help residents get to grocery stores and farmers markets. Overall, the Food Deserts Act is a bipartisan effort to address the issue of food deserts and improve access to healthy food options for all Americans. It is currently being debated in Congress and has garnered support from both Democrats and Republicans who recognize the importance of ensuring all communities have access to nutritious food.