The Arkansas Healthy Food Retail Act of 2025 aims to enhance access to healthy food options in underserved communities by providing financial incentives to healthy food retailers. The Act establishes a new subchapter within Arkansas Code Title 15, Chapter 4, which outlines the legislative findings that highlight the importance of fresh produce availability for low-income families, children, and the elderly. It recognizes the high rates of obesity in Arkansas and the need for improved access to healthy food retailers, particularly in low-income, minority, and rural areas. The Act's intent is to create a Healthy Food Retailer Program that will provide reliable financing for healthy food retailers, promote the sale of fresh produce, and support economic opportunities in these communities.

The Healthy Food Retailer Program will be administered by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, which may collaborate with nonprofit organizations and community development financial institutions to effectively implement the program. Funding will be available for various projects, including the construction of new retailers, renovations, and initiatives that enhance access to fresh produce. The program will prioritize projects that benefit underserved communities and require public funding to move forward. Additionally, the commission will establish benchmarks and reporting processes to ensure accountability and monitor the impact of funded projects, ultimately aiming to improve the health and economic vitality of Arkansas's underserved populations.