Food Deserts Act - Layman's Terms

This bill aims to provide funding to states in order to help establish and operate grocery stores in communities that are currently underserved by access to fresh and healthy food options. This funding will come in the form of grants that will support the creation of a revolving fund that states can use to provide loans to entities looking to open or support grocery stores in these underserved areas.

The bill outlines criteria that these grocery stores must meet in order to qualify for the loans, such as emphasizing healthful foods, providing staple foods, and offering affordable prices. Entities that hire workers from within the underserved communities, provide educational information about healthy diets, and source food locally will be given priority for these loans.

States will receive capitalization grants to fund these revolving funds and must establish processes for loan applications and criteria for loan distribution. The Secretary of Agriculture will oversee the distribution of these grants among eligible states based on underserved community populations.

Overall, this bill aims to address the issue of food deserts and improve access to healthy food options in underserved communities through the establishment and support of grocery stores.

Rep. Delia Ramirez

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