Food Deserts Act
3/11/2025, 8:06 AM
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Status of Legislation
Purpose and Summary
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, and
- demonstrating existing supply chain relationships in the grocery industry.
The bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to administer the grants, which would be used to fund the construction, renovation, or expansion of grocery stores in areas where there is limited access to affordable and nutritious food. The goal is to improve the overall health and well-being of residents in these communities by increasing their access to fresh produce, dairy, and other essential food items.
In addition to supporting the establishment of grocery stores, the bill also includes provisions for technical assistance and training programs to help store owners and operators in underserved communities succeed. This would help ensure the long-term sustainability of these grocery stores and their ability to continue providing healthy food options to residents. Overall, Bill 119 HR 484 seeks to address the issue of food deserts in underserved communities by providing financial support and resources to establish and maintain grocery stores that offer fresh and healthy food options. By increasing access to nutritious food, the bill aims to improve the health outcomes and quality of life for residents in these communities.
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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 ope...
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, and
- demonstrating existing supply chain relationships in the grocery industry.