Moran’s bipartisan bill would edge out nation’s food deserts

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced bipartisan legislation to incentivize grocers and nonprofits to locate operations in America’s rural and urban areas.

“All Kansans and Americans, regardless of where they live, deserve access to healthy food,” Sen. Moran said. 

The Healthy Food Access for All Americans Act, S. 786, would establish a special access food provider credit and grant program to increase access to grocery stores in areas designated as “food deserts” by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

S. 786, sponsored on March 13 by U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), included U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) as an original cosponsor along with Sen. Moran.

“Living in the breadbasket of our nation, it is easy to forget that chronic hunger is still prevalent in many of our own communities,” said Sen. Moran, noting that food insecurity is estimated to threaten almost one in six Kansans.

“Yet many grocery stores in both rural and urban communities are struggling to stay open,” he said. “Our bipartisan Healthy Food Access for All Americans Act would incentivize food providers to establish and renovate grocery stores, food banks and farmers markets in communities that traditionally lack affordable and convenient food options.” 

If enacted, S. 786 would define a grocery market as a retail sales store with at least 35 percent of its selection (or forecasted selection) dedicated to selling fresh produce, poultry, dairy and deli items. Such stores would spur investment in U.S. food deserts having a poverty rate of 20 percent or higher, or a median family income of less than 80 percent of the median for the state or metropolitan area, according to the text of the bill. 

Additionally, S. 786 would award tax credits or grants to food providers that service such low-access communities and would attain a Special Access Food Provider certification through the U.S. Treasury Department. Incentives would be awarded based on new store construction, retrofitting existing structures, food banks, and temporary access merchants, according to Sen. Moran’s statement. 

S. 786 already has garnered support from the National Grocers Association, Bread for the World, Feed More, The Food Trust, the Food Marketing Institute, Share Our Strength and Feeding America.

“Locally owned, independent grocers are the bedrock of their communities, spurring economic growth and providing access to healthy and affordable food choices,” said Greg Ferrara, executive vice president of the National Grocers Association. “We look forward to working with Congress on a bipartisan basis to move this important piece of legislation forward.” 

Heather Valentine, director of government relations at Bread for the World, said that “hunger costs the U.S. economy at least $160 billion in poor health outcomes and additional health care costs every year” and S. 786 is a vital effort to reduce it and improve health outcomes across America.

Kate Leone, chief government relations officer at Feeding America, said 40 million Americans live with hunger.

“Our network of 200 member food banks understands that areas without affordable, healthy food options have higher rates of food insecurity exacerbated by the lack of access to adequate transportation to the nearest food pantry or grocery market,” said Leone. “Feeding America supports the Healthy Food Access for All Americans Act and believes it is a critical step to give nonprofits and retailers support to increase food access in underserved areas.”

Yael Lehmann, president and CEO of The Food Trust, added that the bill will create jobs, improve people’s health and prevent hunger “by supporting the development of food banks, grocery stores and farmers markets in low-income, underserved areas.” 

S. 786 has been referred to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee for consideration.