The bill amends the Healthy Food Retail Act to enhance the financing program aimed at increasing access to healthy food in underserved communities. It mandates the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry to establish a financing program that provides grants and loans to healthy food retailers, ensuring that these funds are available to support the initiative. The language has been updated to clarify that the department "shall" contract with qualified nonprofit organizations or community development financial institutions to administer the program, rather than having the option to do so.

Additionally, the bill specifies that funding for eligible projects will be provided on a competitive basis, replacing the previous provision that indicated funding would be available on a "one-time" basis. This change aims to create a more sustainable and ongoing support system for healthy food retailers, thereby improving access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and other affordable healthy food options in areas that need it most.

Statutes affected:
SB287 Original: 3:296(D)(1)
SB287 Engrossed: 3:296(D)(1)
SB287 Enrolled: 3:296(D)(1)