Bill > S06017

This bill establishes the "Food Retail Establishment Subsidization for Healthy Communities Act" (FRESH Communities), which aims to address food access challenges in underserved urban and rural areas of New York. The legislation recognizes that low-income communities often lack adequate supermarkets, which creates barriers to nutritious food, increases public health costs, and limits economic opportunities. The bill authorizes the New York State Urban Development Corporation to provide financial assistance (including loans, loan guarantees, interest subsidies, and grants) to businesses, municipalities, nonprofits, and local development corporations to attract, maintain, or expand food retail establishments in underserved areas. Eligible food retail establishments must meet specific criteria, such as participating in the New York Grown and Certified program, accepting electronic benefit transfer for nutrition assistance programs, not charging membership fees, and hiring local residents. The corporation will evaluate applications based on economic viability and community impact, and will be required to track and publish performance indicators on their website. The definition of "underserved areas" includes low or moderate-income census tracts, areas with below-average supermarket density, and locations with significant access limitations. The bill is designed to improve food access, create employment opportunities, and support local economic development in communities with limited grocery options.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6017