Bill > HB892

This bill requires the Mississippi State Department of Health to provide an annual report to the Legislature by December 31st each year identifying food deserts within the state and associated health issues. A "food desert" is specifically defined as an area with a poverty rate of at least 20% where at least one-third of the population lives more than one mile from a supermarket, large grocery store, farmers' market, or healthy food provider, resulting in limited access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods. The report can satisfy its requirements by using existing federal government information about food desert locations and related health challenges. The bill will become effective on July 1, 2025, and aims to increase awareness and understanding of food access disparities in Mississippi by mandating systematic tracking and reporting of these underserved areas.

Health and Social Services

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0892.xml