This bill aims to establish a Food Desert Program under the Department of Agriculture in West Virginia, specifically designed to improve access to fresh and affordable produce for residents living in food desert communities—areas that lack access to nutritious food. The program will be implemented over two years and will involve the selection of one or more partnering providers to set up weekly markets in at least three designated food desert communities, including one in a rural area. The Department of Agriculture is tasked with soliciting these providers, working with local communities to identify them, and conducting outreach to raise awareness about the program.

The bill outlines specific requirements for partnering providers, which must demonstrate the ability to supply a consistent, year-round inventory of reasonably priced fresh fruits and vegetables. They are also required to accept various forms of payment, offer reduced-price produce packages, provide storage guides and recipes, and donate any surplus produce to local food assistance organizations. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture must submit a report to the Legislature within two years of the program's enactment, detailing its implementation, the communities served, and recommendations for future legislative actions to enhance access to affordable produce in food desert areas.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-67-1