BILL: Should We Reduce Food Deserts? - Food Deserts Act - H.R.1230

The Bill

H.R.1230 - Food Deserts Act

Bill Details

• Sponsored by Rep. André Carson (D-Ind.) on Feb. 28, 2023
• Committee: House- Agriculture
• House: Not yet voted
• Senate: Not yet voted
• President: Not yet signed

Bill Overview

• Establishes a grant program within the Department of Agriculture to reduce food deserts in underserved communities. Food deserts are regions where there is limited access to affordable, fresh, healthy foods, either from a lack of retail grocery stores or markets.
• Currently, over 29 million people (nearly 10% of the population) live without ready access to affordable, nutritious food. Over 2 million people have no access to transportation to get to the nearest grocery store.
• Requires states to use the funds to support the construction or maintenance of grocery stores in these areas. States must prioritize loaning money to stores that hire workers from the community, source food from local farms, and provide educational info on healthful diets.

What's in the Bill

Makes food accessible in underserved communities

• These communities have a higher rate of hunger, childhood hunger, food insecurity, and poverty than the national average.
• Studies have shown that Americans who live in communities with low access to healthy food options are at higher risk for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Tackles systemic injustice

• According to a study from the USDA, people of color are more likely to reside in a food desert.

Emphasizes nutrition and public health

• In order to qualify, stores must emphasize unprocessed foods like nuts and grains, milk, bread, meat, and fresh vegetables and fruits. Stores must charge affordable rates at or below market values.

What Supporters Are Saying

• Rep. Carson, the sponsor of the bill, said:

"Nutritious food should be an expectation, not a luxury."

• He continued:

"Today, thousands of my constituents are struggling to find the food they need, with many forced to rely on fast food and convenience stores. This is simply unacceptable, particularly in the wealthiest nation on Earth. The Food Deserts Act is a bold, common-sense solution to help reduce this inequality. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and pass it as soon as possible."

• Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) said:

"The COVID-19 pandemic has made routine tasks like going to the grocery store difficult for millions of Americans—especially for families who live in a food desert and have to travel an extended distance to access healthy foods. No one in America should be burdened by a simple trip to the grocery store."

What Opponents Are Saying

• House Republicans have frequently pushed back against federal spending on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, and have tried for more stringent work requirements imposed on recipients. Many families living in food deserts are also SNAP recipients and live below the poverty line. Any cuts to government assistance impact their ability to buy food.

Tell your reps to support or oppose this bill

-Emma Kansiz

(Photo Credit: Canva)