HB48

Mississippi Grocery Initiative Act establishes a program to expand access to healthy foods in food deserts.

The Mississippi Grocery Initiative Act creates a program to expand access to healthy foods in food deserts in Mississippi and areas at risk of becoming food deserts. The Department of Human Services will provide grants and financial assistance to eligible food resources, nonprofits, local governmental units, and specialty grocers. The department will also share information and provide technical assistance and counseling to participants. The act defines terms such as "food desert" and "specialty grocer" and outlines the department's powers to implement the program.