Us Congress House Bill HB9914

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/4/24
• Refer: 10/4/24

Caption

Fresh Food Act

Impact

If enacted, the Fresh Food Act will amend the Internal Revenue Code to implement tax credits, such as an increased work opportunity tax credit for employees in these grocery stores and specific credits for the sale of fresh produce, meat, and dairy. The bill's provisions are intended to lower the operational costs for new stores, thereby incentivizing both local and large-scale retailers to invest in these underserved regions. This legislative move is expected to significantly affect local economies by potentially generating jobs and improving access to healthy food options.

Summary

House Bill 9914, known as the 'Fresh Food Act', introduces a series of tax incentives designed to encourage the establishment of grocery stores in underserved areas across the United States. The bill specifically targets neighborhoods identified as lacking adequate access to fresh food and grocery options, classified as 'underserved areas' based on income and proximity to grocery stores. The aim is to improve food security and health outcomes in these regions by making healthy food sources more available and appealing to both consumers and business owners alike.

Contention

However, the proposed bill has faced scrutiny regarding its effectiveness and implementation. Opponents argue that tax incentives alone may not be sufficient to resolve the complex issues surrounding food deserts, including systemic poverty and inadequate infrastructure. There are concerns that without additional support measures, such as providing funding for transportation or housing stability, simply opening grocery stores may not address the root causes of food insecurity in these areas. Furthermore, there are questions about how 'underserved areas' are defined and whether some communities might still lag behind in accessing fresh food despite the establishment of new grocery stores.