At Feed America, our mission is not only to fight hunger but to drive lasting solutions for communities facing food insecurity. One of the most persistent challenges across the U.S. is the existence of food deserts—areas where access to healthy, affordable food is limited or nonexistent. In response, new legislative measures such as the Fresh Food Act of 2024 aim to close this gap by providing critical incentives to encourage grocery stores and fresh food retailers to serve these underserved communities.
Understanding Food Deserts and Their Impact
A food desert is defined as an area where residents have limited access to affordable and nutritious food, particularly fresh produce. These areas are often found in both urban and rural communities, where grocery stores are sparse and transportation options are limited. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), nearly 19 million Americans live in food deserts, and the consequences are far-reaching. Studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that people living in these areas are more likely to suffer from diet-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. This highlights the critical need for solutions that not only increase access to food but also improve public health outcomes. You can explore more about food deserts through the USDA's Food AccessResearch Atlas.
The Fresh Food Act of 2024: A Legislative Breakthrough
The Fresh Food Act of 2024 represents a significant step forward in addressing food deserts. This federal law introduces tax credits for grocery stores and fresh food retailers that open in areas classified as food deserts. The Act provides financial relief and other incentives to businesses, encouraging them to set up stores where they are most needed. The law also includes grants for community-driven projects like mobile markets and urban gardens, helping to bring fresh produce directly to neighborhoods that lack grocery stores. Details of this legislation can be found in the official release from the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) here.
Under the Fresh Food Act, businesses that commit to establishing grocery stores in underserved areas will receive up to 15% in tax credits based on their operating costs. Additionally, the Act sets aside funds to help local governments streamline the process for these businesses, making it easier for them to acquire permits and secure financing. This legislation aims to reduce the food access gap by making it economically feasible for grocery stores to serve low-income and rural communities, areas where traditional business models have struggled.
Key Components of the Fresh Food Act of 2024
The Fresh Food Act of 2024 offers several crucial incentives designed to encourage businesses to operate in food deserts. One of the main components of the Act is a tax credit system that allows grocery stores and fresh food markets to offset their operating costs when they open in underserved areas. These tax credits are designed to reduce the financial burden on businesses that otherwise might not see these areas as economically viable. You can read more about how the tax credit works through the official summary provided by the Congressional Research Service.
Additionally, the Act includes grants for local governments and businesses to support the development of fresh food initiatives in their communities. This includes funds to create mobile markets, which bring fresh produce directly to areas that are too small or remote to sustain a full-scale grocery store. These mobile markets have been particularly successful in rural areas where transportation and infrastructure limit access to large grocery stores. For a closer look at how these types of programs have been implemented, the USDA's Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) is an excellent resource that details similar efforts to bring food to underserved communities. You can explore the USDA’s ongoing efforts here.
Grants for Urban Gardens and Local Food Projects
Another key aspect of the Fresh Food Act is its support for urban gardens and other local food projects. These initiatives empower communities to grow their own food and help fill the gaps left by grocery store shortages. Urban farming projects, particularly in cities where land space is limited, have proven to be a sustainable way to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to local residents. The grants from this legislation enable communities to repurpose unused spaces, like vacant lots, for growing food, which is a direct solution to overcoming both the physical and economic barriers of food deserts.
For example, urban farming projects like those supported by local governments in cities such as Detroit have been instrumental in teaching communities to grow their own food while improving access to healthy food choices. To learn more about the benefits and expansion of urban farming, explore the research provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Urban Agriculture Program here. These community-driven efforts also promote food education, environmental sustainability, and job creation—making them a multifaceted solution to food deserts.
Success Stories and Community-Led Initiatives
The Fresh Food Act of 2024 is supported by several successful community-led initiatives already making an impact in underserved areas. One approach is the use of mobile markets, which bring fresh, affordable produce directly to neighborhoods that have limited or no access to grocery stores. Cities like Cleveland and Boston have implemented these mobile markets to serve food deserts, providing residents with consistent, affordable fresh food options. These initiatives help address transportation challenges and food access issues. You can explore how such programs are helping communities through information provided by the USDA’s Food Security Program.
Another powerful community solution is urban gardening. Cities like Detroit and Los Angeles have turned vacant lots into urban gardens, allowing residents to grow their own fruits and vegetables. These gardens not only provide fresh food but also offer educational opportunities and foster community engagement. For more details on how urban agriculture is contributing to food security, visit the USDA’s resources on urban farming initiatives.
Looking Forward: The Role of Federal and Local Governments
While community-driven solutions are making a significant difference, federal and state governments play an essential role in sustaining these efforts. A key federal program is the Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI), managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This program provides grants and loans to businesses that open or expand grocery stores in underserved areas, directly tackling food deserts. You can learn more about the HFFI and how it supports food access on the USDA’s official Healthy Food Financing Initiative page.
At the state level, programs like California’s Healthy Food Access Policy and New York City’s Food Retail Expansion to Support Health (FRESH) offer additional financial incentives for businesses to open grocery stores in food deserts. These programs provide tax credits, zoning benefits, and other forms of support to encourage businesses to serve low-income neighborhoods. For more details about New York City’s FRESH program, visit the official NYC planning page, which outlines how local governments are fighting food insecurity.
Conclusion
The Fresh Food Act of 2024 and community-led efforts such as mobile markets and urban gardens represent critical steps toward closing the food access gap in America. By offering tax incentives and grants, this legislation encourages businesses to serve food deserts, while grassroots projects are delivering immediate, sustainable solutions. At Feed America, we are proud to support these initiatives and remain committed to ensuring that every American has access to healthy, affordable food. Through continued collaboration between government programs and local efforts, we can move closer to a future without food deserts, ensuring that all communities have the resources they need to thrive.
