Bill > HB1965

This bill creates the Arkansas Healthy Food Retail Act of 2025, establishing a program to provide financial incentives for healthy food retailers in underserved communities. The legislation recognizes that low-income, minority, and rural communities often lack access to fresh produce and healthy food options, which contributes to high obesity rates in Arkansas. The Healthy Food Retailer Program, administered by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, will offer funding through grants and loans to support various projects, including constructing new grocery stores, renovating existing retailers, creating farmers' markets, and supporting food distribution initiatives. Eligible applicants can include businesses, cooperatives, educational institutions, and governmental entities, but must meet specific criteria such as serving an underserved community, committing to selling fresh produce, and accepting nutrition assistance benefits like SNAP and WIC. The program aims to improve dietary health, support local farmers, create jobs, and enhance economic opportunities in low-income areas. Funding can be used for site acquisition, construction, equipment, workforce training, and technical assistance. The commission will track the program's impact, establish benchmarks, and submit annual reports to legislative committees to ensure effective implementation and accountability.

Health and Social Services

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1965&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R