Senate Bill No. by Senator Duplessis and Representatives Chassion and Knox amends the Healthy Food Retail Act to enhance the financing program aimed at increasing access to healthy food in underserved communities. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry is mandated to establish a financing program that provides grants and loans to healthy food retailers, ensuring that fresh fruits, vegetables, and other affordable healthy food options are available. This bill emphasizes the department's role in collaboration with public and private sector partners to support these initiatives.

Additionally, the bill requires the department to contract with qualified nonprofit organizations or community development financial institutions to manage the program through a public-private partnership. This includes responsibilities such as raising matching funds, marketing the program, evaluating applicants, making award decisions, underwriting loans, and monitoring compliance and impact. The funding for eligible projects will be provided on a competitive basis, enhancing the program's effectiveness in addressing food access issues in Louisiana.

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