The bill establishes a grocer reinvestment program and a local produce processing grant program under the economic development authority in Iowa. The grocer reinvestment program aims to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to eligible grocery stores for various projects, including capital improvements, utility upgrades, equipment purchases, and technology enhancements. To qualify for assistance, grocery stores must meet specific criteria, such as being organized as a recognized business entity, owning ten or fewer stores, and demonstrating a plan for sustainability. The program prioritizes stores that accept federal nutrition assistance, create local jobs, and procure local foods, with a focus on those in less-populated communities.

Additionally, the bill creates a grocer reinvestment and local food processing fund to support these initiatives, with a portion of the funds allocated to the local produce processing grant program. This program is designed to increase the availability and efficiency of local produce processing by awarding grants to Iowa-based entities that meet certain criteria, such as processing produce from multiple Iowa farms. The bill also modifies existing laws to include grocery stores in the local food and farm program's objectives, emphasizing the importance of grocery stores in promoting local food economies and job growth.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 15.413, 267A.1, 267A.2
Reprinted: 15.413, 267A.1, 267A.2