Bill > H2516

This bill establishes an advisory committee to examine and address the accessibility of fresh food retail in communities throughout Massachusetts. The committee will be composed of key government officials, including the commissioners of public health and agricultural resources, the secretary of housing and economic development, chairs of the public health committee, a nutritionist, and five additional members appointed by the governor representing diverse stakeholders like the supermarket industry, farmers markets, gateway cities, hunger relief organizations, and the Massachusetts Public Health Association. The committee's primary tasks include developing criteria to identify communities with inadequate fresh food access, investigating the causes and public health impacts of this issue, and creating innovative strategies to improve food accessibility. These strategies may include potential legislation, economic incentives, transportation improvements, public-private partnerships, and pilot programs. The committee is required to file a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations to several legislative committees within 18 months of enactment, and will automatically dissolve after submitting this report. The goal is to address fresh food accessibility challenges in both urban and rural communities, with a focus on understanding and mitigating barriers to obtaining nutritious food.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2516