Bill > SB217

This bill establishes the Fresh Food Financing Initiative (FFFI), a program designed to improve food access in underserved communities across Pennsylvania. The initiative allows the state's agricultural department to provide grants up to 15% of project funding to various food-related businesses, including regional supermarkets, grocery stores, retail food establishments, and farmers' markets. To be eligible, applicants must primarily sell food, operate within Pennsylvania, serve customers in underserved communities, and provide affordable, high-quality fresh produce and grocery items. Priority will be given to projects located in USDA-designated food deserts, businesses owned by small diverse or veteran businesses, and those with matching private funds. Grant money can be used for expanding access to Pennsylvania-grown products, implementing innovative food access technology, and improving food distribution. Regional anchor supermarkets must provide matching funds equal to their grant amount, and no more than 10% of program funding can be used for administrative costs. The program will be funded through a newly established restricted account in the General Fund, which can also accept federal appropriations, with grants awarded only to the extent that money is appropriated by the state legislature.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=217