Senate Bill 15 would allow the State Department of Health to help new and existing businesses and nonprofits offer fresh and unprocessed foods to communities in food deserts, which are underserved geographic areas where affordable and healthy foods are difficult to obtain.
Residents who live in food deserts often have to turn to unhealthy options like packaged and frozen foods found in convenience stores and gas stations because they do not have the means or transportation to shop at a full-sized grocery store. This is one factor that contributes to obesity and diet-related diseases.
SB 15 also contains accountability provisions, including a requirement that the funds be used for equipment, infrastructure or property, yearly evaluations, and a requirement that the recipients return the funds if they are misused.
Head added that Pennsylvania employed a similar idea to SB 15, which had successful outcomes. For every dollar invested, the grants resulted in $1.50 of economic development, additional businesses located near the busy grocery stores and the overall quality of life improved in the communities.
SB 15 will now move to the full Senate for further consideration.
Residents who live in food deserts often have to turn to unhealthy options like packaged and frozen foods found in convenience stores and gas stations because they do not have the means or transportation to shop at a full-sized grocery store. This is one factor that contributes to obesity and diet-related diseases.
SB 15 also contains accountability provisions, including a requirement that the funds be used for equipment, infrastructure or property, yearly evaluations, and a requirement that the recipients return the funds if they are misused.
Head added that Pennsylvania employed a similar idea to SB 15, which had successful outcomes. For every dollar invested, the grants resulted in $1.50 of economic development, additional businesses located near the busy grocery stores and the overall quality of life improved in the communities.
SB 15 will now move to the full Senate for further consideration.
