Food Deserts Act

Sponsor: André Carson (Democratic-IN)January 16, 2025

AI-generated ?

Report an error

Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.

Creates a new program to help open and support grocery stores in communities without them

This bill would create a new federal program to help bring grocery stores to communities that don't have easy access to fresh, healthy food. It would set aside $150 million for states to offer loans to businesses that want to open or support grocery stores in these areas, making it easier for people to buy nutritious food close to home.

What Would Change

Today, there isn't a specific federal program from the Department of Agriculture that provides grants to states to create revolving funds for grocery stores in underserved communities. If this bill becomes law, the Secretary of Agriculture would set up such a program, making $150,000,000 available in the government's budget year 2026 for states to offer loans to eligible grocery stores.

Key Provisions

Creates a program for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to give grants to states to help bring grocery stores to underserved communities.
Lets states set up special funds to offer loans for opening new grocery stores (but not for new construction) or supporting existing ones in communities that lack food options.
Requires grocery stores that get loans to offer healthy foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and staple items at affordable prices.
Requires grocery stores to match at least 20 percent of the loan amount with their own non-federal money.
Prioritizes grocery stores that plan to hire local workers, offer healthy eating classes, or buy food from local farms and gardens.

View on Congress.gov

HR 484 · 119th Congress · January 16, 2025 · AI Summary by gemini-2.5-flash · 8/10

Food Deserts Act

What Would Change

Key Provisions

Lobbying Activity