House Bill No. [insert number] aims to amend the Healthy Food Retail Act to enhance the healthy food financing program, thereby improving access to affordable fresh food in underserved communities and food deserts across Louisiana. The bill includes new definitions, such as "food desert," which identifies areas with limited access to supermarkets based on specific demographic criteria. It emphasizes the importance of developing quality retail food outlets to support public health, neighborhood stability, and local economic growth. The program will provide dedicated financing for healthy food retailers, with a focus on increasing access to fresh produce and promoting the sale of Louisiana-grown fruits and vegetables.

Additionally, the bill mandates collaboration between the LSU AgCenter and the Department of Agriculture and Forestry to gather data and research on food deserts. It outlines the administration of a financing program that will prioritize projects in verified food deserts and those demonstrating community demand and sustainability. The program will also allow for partnerships with nonprofit organizations to enhance its reach and effectiveness. Overall, the bill seeks to create a more robust framework for addressing food access issues in Louisiana, particularly in low-income and rural areas.

Statutes affected:
HB1194 Original: 3:296(B)(4)
HB1194 Engrossed: 3:296(B)(4)
HB1194 Enrolled: 3:296(B)(4)