PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Mar 22, 2016
Food Deserts Act of 2016
This bill establishes a Department of Agriculture program to provide grants to states for revolving funds to support the establishment and operation of grocery stores in underserved communities.
An underserved community is a community that has: (1) limited access to affordable, healthy foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, in grocery retail stores or farmer-to-consumer direct markets; and (2) a high rate of hunger or food insecurity or a high poverty rate.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
States must use the funds to make loans to support grocery stores in underserved communities, including for:
opening a store (excluding new construction),
supporting an existing store,
purchasing an existing store, or
supporting a store located in a community that would be underserved without the store.
States may only make loans for qualified grocery stores that:
emphasize unprocessed, healthful foods;
provide staple foods and a variety of raw fruits and vegetables;
have a plan to keep the foods in stock; and
charge prices at or below municipal averages.
States must prioritize loan applications from entities that meet criteria, including:
hiring workers from the underserved community,
providing classes or educational information about a healthful diet,
sourcing food from local urban farms and gardens,
not selling alcohol or tobacco products, or
demonstrating existing supply chain relationships or expertise in the grocery industry.
People & committees
Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7] · D–IN
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition.
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Aug 12, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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