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Food Deserts Act
3/11/2025, 8:06 AM
Summary of Bill HR 484
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.
Congressional Summary of HR 484
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.
Current Status of Bill HR 484
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 484
Total Number of Sponsors
13Democrat Sponsors
13Republican Sponsors
0Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
328Democrat Cosponsors
328Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 484
Primary Policy Focus
Agriculture and FoodAlternate Title(s) of Bill HR 484
Comments

Mariam MacDonald
10 months ago
Why do we need this bill? Can't people just drive to get groceries? It's unnecessary. Underserved communities benefit from it.

Halo Hopkins
8 months ago
This bill is so stupid, it's gonna make things worse for everyone. It's gonna hurt the poor people and make it harder for them to get food. Why are they doing this to us? It's not fair! #fooddesertsact #badidea #poorpeoplehurt

Ayra McKenna
9 months ago
So glad they're finally doing something about this! But I wonder how it'll really play out in the long run. What do you think?

Nataly Payne
8 months ago
I dunno much about this HR Bill 484 Food Deserts Act, but it sounds like it's gonna mess with my food options in OK. Why do they gotta make things so complicated? I heard that this bill could lead to less healthy food choices for people in rural areas. Did you know that this bill could also impact small businesses in food deserts?

Hallie Pace
10 months ago
I don't get why they wanna give money for grocery stores in poor areas. Seems like a waste of taxpayer dollars. How much money are they even talking about here?

Nevaeh Grant
8 months ago
So like, I was reading about this new bill, HR 484 Food Deserts Act, and it sounds pretty cool. It's supposed to help bring more healthy food options to areas that don't have many grocery stores. I think it's important for everyone to have access to fresh fruits and veggies, so I'm all for it! #HR484 #FoodDesertsAct





