HB1437

Mississippi HB1437 requires the Department of Health to track food deserts and report annually on their locations and related health issues.

Mississippi HB1437 mandates the State Department of Health to annually report to the Legislature by December on the locations of food deserts within the state and the health issues associated with them. A food desert is defined as an area with at least a 20% poverty rate where one-third of the population lives more than a mile from a supermarket or large grocery store, farmers' market, or healthy food provider, resulting in limited access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthful whole foods. The act takes effect from July 1, 2026.