House Bill No. 821 establishes the Texas Grocery Access Investment Fund Program, aimed at providing financing for the construction, rehabilitation, or expansion of grocery stores in underserved low-income and moderate-income areas across Texas. The bill introduces Chapter 26 to the Agriculture Code, defining key terms such as "grocery store," "low-income area," and "fund." The program will be administered by the Department of Agriculture in collaboration with public and private partners, and it will be funded through various sources, including legislative appropriations, grants, and loans. At least 25% of the fund will be allocated for grants or forgivable loans, while a maximum of 10% can be reserved for administrative costs.

The Department of Agriculture is tasked with contracting qualified nonprofit organizations or community development financial institutions to manage the program, which includes establishing guidelines, raising matching funds, and monitoring compliance. Eligible projects must primarily serve low-income or moderate-income areas and include constructing new grocery stores or improving existing ones. Applicants for financing can be various entities, including for-profit and nonprofit organizations, and must meet specific criteria, such as demonstrating the capacity for economic sustainability and agreeing to promote healthy food access. The bill mandates the Department to adopt rules and transfer funds to the program by specified deadlines, with the act taking effect on September 1, 2025.

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