Food Deserts Act
HR 484 - 119 Congress
Introduced
Jan 16, 2025
Origin chamber
House
Updated time
Mar 11, 2025 08:06 am
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.
Sponsors
André Carson
Representative - Indiana
Party: Democratic, 2008 -
Cosponsors
Troy A. Carter
Representative - Louisiana
Party: Democratic, 2021 -
Sean Casten
Representative - Illinois
Party: Democratic, 2019 -
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick
Representative - Florida
Party: Democratic, 2022 -
Steve Cohen
Representative - Tennessee
Party: Democratic, 2007 -
Bonnie Watson Coleman
Representative - New Jersey
Party: Democratic, 2015 -
Debbie Dingell
Representative - Michigan
Party: Democratic, 2015 -
John Garamendi
Representative - California
Party: Democratic, 2009 -
Daniel S. Goldman
Representative - New York
Party: Democratic, 2023 -
Eleanor Holmes Norton
Delegate - District of Columbia
Party: Democratic, 1991 -
Steven Horsford
Representative - Nevada
Party: Democratic, 2013 -
Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr.
Representative - Georgia
Party: Democratic, 2007 -
Raja Krishnamoorthi
Representative - Illinois
Party: Democratic, 2017 -
John B. Larson
Representative - Connecticut
Party: Democratic, 1999 -
Stephen F. Lynch
Representative - Massachusetts
Party: Democratic, 2001 -
LaMonica McIver
Representative - New Jersey
Party: Democratic, 2024 -
Seth Moulton
Representative - Massachusetts
Party: Democratic, 2015 -
Frank J. Mrvan
Representative - Indiana
Party: Democratic, 2021 -
Kevin Mullin
Representative - California
Party: Democratic, 2023 -
Deborah K. Ross
Representative - North Carolina
Party: Democratic, 2021 -
Janice D. Schakowsky
Representative - Illinois
Party: Democratic, 1999 -
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