Bill > AR109

Introduced Session

This resolution urges the Governor and Legislature to establish programs to help eliminate food deserts. There are certain areas of the State, known as "food deserts," which are areas where residents are unable to obtain nutritious foods. Food deserts lack fresh foods, such as fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables. Instead, available foods are often processed and high in sugar and fats, which can contribute to a variety of health issues. Food deserts and exist in rural and urban areas and tend to be inhabited by low-income residents with reduced mobility. Food deserts develop in the absence of supermarkets and grocery stores. Grocery stores and supermarkets offer opportunities to purchase affordable, fresh, and nutritious food and also create local jobs. The establishment of incentives to grocery stores and supermarkets to open locations in food deserts may be a path by which to create jobs and ensure residents of food deserts are provided the ability to purchase nutritious foods. The resolution urges the Governor and the Legislature to work together to create programs to incentivize the establishment of grocery stores and supermarkets in food deserts.

Committee Categories

Angela Mcknight (D)*,  Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Food Security Committee (on 03/07/2022)

Official Document