Food Deserts Act
Food Deserts Act
Plain Language Summary
# Food Deserts Act Summary **What It Would Do:** The Food Deserts Act would create a federal grant program to help bring grocery stores to neighborhoods that lack access to affordable, healthy food—commonly called "food deserts." The Department of Agriculture would distribute grants to states, which would use the money to create revolving loan funds. These loans would help grocery stores open or expand in underserved communities, with a focus on stores that sell fresh produce and unprocessed foods rather than processed items. **Who It Affects:** The bill targets low-income communities struggling with food insecurity, hunger, and poverty where residents have limited access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy groceries. It would also benefit grocery store owners interested in opening locations in these underserved areas, as they could access federal loans.
More broadly, it aims to improve public health and nutrition in disadvantaged neighborhoods. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Rep. André Carson (D-IN) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't been voted on by the full House yet. No action has been taken to advance it to a floor vote.
CRS Official 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 tohiring workers from the underserved community,providing classes or educational information about a healthful diet,sourcing food from local urban farms and gardens, anddemonstrating existing supply chain relationships in the grocery industry.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.