Creating the healthy food site grant program to award grants for food retail or food system enterprises within one mile of a school in a designated food desert in an urban area.
Impact
By creating this grant program, HB 2771 aims to stimulate the establishment and growth of food retail businesses in areas that currently lack sufficient food options. This legislative measure is expected to improve food security for families, particularly those with children attending nearby schools. The bill reflects a growing recognition of the importance of addressing food deserts and encourages community-driven solutions to enhance access to healthy food.
Summary
House Bill 2771 establishes a healthy food site grant program aimed at enhancing food access in urban areas designated as food deserts. The bill specifically calls for the allocation of grants to food retail or food system enterprises that operate within a one-mile radius of a school located in these underprivileged zones. This initiative seeks to tackle nutritional disparities and promote healthier eating habits among children in urban settings where access to fresh and nutritious food is limited.
Contention
While the bill presents a proactive step towards alleviating food insecurity, there are potential points of contention regarding the implementation and oversight of the grant program. Critics may raise concerns about how grant recipients are selected, the monitoring of funds, and the long-term sustainability of the initiatives supported by these grants. Additionally, stakeholders may question whether the bill sufficiently addresses broader systemic issues contributing to food deserts, such as socioeconomic factors and urban planning challenges.
Creating the Kansas food and financial literacy grant program for local food security service providers to develop food and financial literacy materials and training for food assistance applicants and recipients.
Reforms the organizational structure for the Department of Transportation and Development including its duties, powers, and responsibilities of officers and employees (EN INCREASE SD EX See Note)