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SD 2029

An Act establishing community fridges to address food insecurity

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Homar Gomez and 1 co-sponsor

SD 2029: An Act establishing community fridges to address food insecurity OverviewBill Number: SD 2029 Title: An Act establishing community fridges to address food insecurityStatu

Referred to the committee on Agriculture
0
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Bill Summary · SD 2029

SD 2029: An Act establishing community fridges to address food insecurity

Overview

Bill Number: SD 2029
Title: An Act establishing community fridges to address food insecurity
Status: Referred to the committee on Agriculture
Introduced: February 27, 2025

Purpose and Intent

This proposed legislation aims to establish a statewide program to install and maintain community refrigerators in public spaces across the state. The primary goal is to increase access to fresh, nutritious food for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. The bill's sponsors cite growing rates of food insecurity, especially in low-income and underserved communities, as the key motivation behind this initiative.

Key Provisions

  • Requires the state Department of Agriculture to oversee the "Community Fridge Program" and provide grants to local governments and nonprofit organizations to purchase, install, and maintain community refrigerators
  • Specifies that community fridges must be placed in publicly accessible locations such as community centers, libraries, and transit hubs
  • Mandates that community fridges be stocked with donated perishable and non-perishable food items, with a focus on fresh produce, dairy, and proteins
  • Establishes guidelines for food safety, storage, and distribution to ensure the safe provision of food to those in need
  • Provides tax credits and other financial incentives to encourage businesses and individuals to donate surplus food to the program

Affected Parties and Impacts

The primary beneficiaries of this legislation would be individuals and families experiencing food insecurity, particularly those living in low-income or underserved areas with limited access to affordable, nutritious food options. The program aims to reduce barriers to food access and supplement existing food assistance programs.

Local governments, nonprofit organizations, and community groups would be responsible for applying for grants and managing the installation and maintenance of community fridges in their respective jurisdictions. Businesses and food producers would be incentivized to donate surplus food to the program.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

SD 2029 has been referred to the state's Committee on Agriculture for further consideration and review. If the committee approves the bill, it will then proceed to a full vote in the state legislature. If passed, the Community Fridge Program would be implemented over a 12-month period, with the first community fridges expected to be operational within 6 months of the bill's enactment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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