This bill establishes the "Healthy Corner Store and Retail Pharmacy Program" in New Jersey, aimed at enhancing access to healthy foods in low-income and moderate-income areas. It provides funding to support small food retailers and retail pharmacies in increasing the availability and sales of fresh produce and nutritious foods. Notably, the program allows NJ FamilyCare enrollees with diet-related medical conditions to fill food prescriptions at participating retail pharmacies. The Department of Health and the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services are designated to implement the program, which includes the creation of a fund to support these initiatives.

Additionally, the bill introduces a three-year pilot program under NJ FamilyCare to cover food prescriptions for healthy foods prescribed by licensed healthcare providers for enrollees with diet-related medical conditions such as Type II diabetes, hypertension, or obesity. It defines "food prescriptions" to include fresh fruits, vegetables, and other medically-appropriate grocery items, with an emphasis on partnerships with local farmers and food suppliers. The bill also amends the "Healthy Small Food Retailer Act" to allow retail pharmacies to participate in the program, increasing financial assistance limits for participating entities and appropriating $500,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Human Services for implementation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 24:4A-6, 24:4A-7, 24:4A-8, 24:4A-9, 24:4A-10, 24:4A-11, 24:4A-12