Food Deserts Act

Hozzl · 2025-03-11T08:06:46Z

Explore the details of House Bill 484 Food Deserts Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Agriculture and Food. Stay informed on legislative developments.

3/11/2025, 8:06 AM

Summary of Bill HR 484

Bill 119 HR 484, also known as the Healthy Food Access for All Americans Act, aims to address the issue of food deserts in underserved communities by providing grants to states to support the establishment and operation of grocery stores. These grants would help increase access to fresh and healthy food options for residents in these communities.

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

Bill HR 484 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 16, 2025. Bill HR 484 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 16, 2025. Bill HR 484's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development. as of February 14, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 484

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

328

Democrat Cosponsors

328

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 484

Primary Policy Focus

Agriculture and Food

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 484

To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to States to support the establishment and operation of grocery stores in underserved communities, and for other purposes.

Comments

Ayla Boykin

41,221

1 year ago

I think this bill could help a lot of people in need. Can't wait to see how it all plays out! #excited #supportingchange

@undefined

1 year ago

This bill is a waste of taxpayer money.

Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 484

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