Bill
S 6017
The Food Retail Establishment Subsidization Act boosts access to healthy foods in underserved areas by funding retailers that offer nutritious options, improving community health.
Bill Number: S 6017
Introduced On: March 04, 2025
Current Status: Referred to Economic Development
Legislative Actions:
- 2025-05-20: Passed Senate
- 2025-05-20: Delivered to Assembly
- 2025-05-20: Referred to Economic Development
- 2025-05-15: Advanced to Third Reading
- 2025-05-14: 2nd Report Calendar
- 2025-05-13: 1st Report Calendar 1027
- 2025-03-04: Referred to Corporations, Authorities and Commissions
The Food Retail Establishment Subsidization for Healthy Communities Act aims to promote access to healthy food options in underserved communities. The bill seeks to encourage the establishment and sustainability of food retail businesses that provide nutritious food choices, thereby addressing public health concerns related to food deserts and poor dietary habits.
Subsidization Program: The bill proposes a financial subsidy program for food retail establishments that meet specific criteria, including the sale of fresh produce, whole grains, and other healthy food options.
Eligibility Criteria: Retailers must operate in designated underserved areas and demonstrate a commitment to providing healthy food options. The criteria for eligibility will be defined by the relevant state agencies.
Funding Allocation: The bill outlines the allocation of state funds to support the subsidization program, although specific dollar amounts are not detailed in the current version.
Partnerships: The legislation encourages partnerships between local governments, non-profits, and food retailers to enhance community outreach and education regarding healthy eating.
Monitoring and Evaluation: The bill mandates the establishment of metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of the subsidization program in improving access to healthy foods and overall community health outcomes.
Food Retail Establishments: Grocery stores, supermarkets, and other food retailers that qualify under the bill's criteria will benefit from financial support.
Underserved Communities: Residents in areas identified as food deserts or lacking access to healthy food options will gain improved access to nutritious food choices.
Local Governments and Non-Profits: Entities involved in community health initiatives and food access programs may collaborate with retailers to maximize the impact of the subsidies.
The bill was introduced on March 4, 2025, and has since passed the Senate as of May 20, 2025. It is currently in the Assembly, where it has been referred to the Economic Development committee for further consideration.
The legislative process indicates a strong initial support for the bill, having advanced through multiple readings and reports in a relatively short timeframe.
This bill is related to several prior-session bills that address similar issues of food access and public health, including:
- S 1498
- S 3819
- S 7385
- S 2783
- S 584
- S 6233
- S 3546
- A 8692 (companion bill)
This summary provides an overview of the Food Retail Establishment Subsidization for Healthy Communities Act, highlighting its objectives, provisions, and potential impacts on communities and food retailers.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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