House Bill No. [insert number] amends the Healthy Food Retail Act by revising several provisions related to the financing program established by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. The bill changes the language to clarify that the program will provide grants and loans to healthy food retailers aimed at increasing access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and other affordable healthy food in underserved communities. Notably, it removes the previous limitation that funding was contingent on the availability of funds, now stating that the program will operate under the authority of the department.

Additionally, the bill eliminates restrictions on the frequency with which eligible projects can qualify for funding and removes the one-time funding limitation, allowing for more flexibility in financial support for these projects. The amendments also specify that funding can be used for various purposes related to the projects, enhancing the program's ability to support healthy food access initiatives.

Statutes affected:
HB670 Original: 3:296(D)(1)
HB670 Engrossed: 3:296(D)(1)
HB670 Enrolled: 3:296(D)(1)