This bill creates a USDA grant program to help states establish revolving loan funds that support grocery stores in underserved communities lacking access to affordable, healthy foods. Grants prioritize stores that emphasize healthy foods, hire local workers, and source from local farms.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill creates a USDA grant program to help states establish revolving loan funds that support grocery stores in underserved communities lacking access to affordable, healthy foods. Grants prioritize stores that emphasize healthy foods, hire local workers, and source from local farms.
Last updated: 1/5/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Food Deserts Act </strong></p><p>This bill establishes a grant program within the Department of Agriculture to reduce food deserts. Under the program, grants are provided to states for revolving funds that support the establishment and operation of grocery stores in underserved communities. <em>Underserved communities</em> are communities that have (1) limited access to affordable, healthy foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, in grocery retail stores or farmer-to-consumer direct markets; and (2) a high rate of hunger, a high rate of food insecurity, or a high poverty rate.</p><p>The bill requires states to use such funds for loans that support grocery stores in underserved communities, including for opening a store (excluding new construction), or supporting an existing store.</p><p>In order to qualify for loans, grocery stores must meet criteria enumerated in the bill. For example, grocery stores must (1) emphasize unprocessed, healthful foods; (2) provide staple foods and a variety of raw fruits and vegetables; and (3) charge affordable prices at or below market values.</p><p>Further, states must prioritize loan applications from entities that meet criteria related to</p><ul><li>hiring workers from the underserved community,</li><li>providing classes or educational information about a healthful diet,</li><li>sourcing food from local urban farms and gardens, and</li><li>demonstrating existing supply chain relationships in the grocery industry.</li></ul>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Creates USDA grants for state revolving loan funds
Supports grocery stores in communities with limited food access
Prioritizes stores offering affordable healthy foods and fresh produce
Favors businesses hiring workers from underserved communities
Encourages sourcing from local urban farms and gardens
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
Residents of food deserts would gain better access to affordable, healthy groceries including fresh fruits and vegetables. Communities with high hunger, food insecurity, or poverty rates could see new grocery store development through state loan programs.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Agriculture and Food
Related Subjects
Agricultural marketing and promotion
Drug, alcohol, tobacco use
Employee hiring
Food assistance and relief
Fruit and vegetables
Government lending and loan guarantees
Health promotion and preventive care
Inflation and prices
Nutrition and diet
Poverty and welfare assistance
+2 more
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
484, 119th Congress (2025). "Food Deserts Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-484
