Bill > S1230

This bill establishes an advisory committee to address the accessibility of fresh food retail in communities across the Commonwealth, particularly in urban and rural areas that may lack adequate access. The committee will investigate the reasons for this lack of access, study its impact on public health, and develop innovative strategies to improve fresh food availability. These strategies could include legislative changes, financial incentives, transportation improvements, public-private partnerships, pilot programs, and enhancements to existing food programs. The committee will also assess the costs, benefits, and feasibility of these recommendations. It will be comprised of 11 members, including designees from the Department of Public Health (who will chair the committee), the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, and the Department of Agricultural Resources, along with chairs of the Joint Committee on Public Health, a nutritionist, and five appointees by the governor representing the supermarket industry, farmers markets, gateway cities, hunger relief organizations, and the Massachusetts Public Health Association. The committee is expected to begin its work within 90 days of the bill's enactment and must submit its findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to relevant legislative committees within 18 months, after which it will be dissolved.