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Bill

SB 18

Food Desert Elimination Grant Program.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Angelique Ashby and 3 co-sponsors

SB 18 establishes a California grant program funding projects to increase affordable food access in underserved communities identified as food deserts.

August 29 hearing: Held in committee and under submission.
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Bill Summary · SB 18

Legislative bill overview

SB 18 establishes a grant program to fund projects that address food deserts—areas with limited access to affordable, nutritious food—in California. The bill allocates state resources to support initiatives that improve food availability and accessibility in underserved communities.

Why is this important

Food deserts disproportionately affect low-income and rural communities, contributing to diet-related health disparities like obesity and diabetes. By creating a dedicated grant program, California aims to increase fresh food access and reduce health inequities in vulnerable neighborhoods.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding concerns: The bill's fiscal impact and whether allocated funds are sufficient to meaningfully address food deserts across the state
  • Implementation clarity: Specifics about grant eligibility criteria, project types, and how success will be measured may generate debate
  • Geographic prioritization: Which communities qualify and how resources are distributed between urban and rural areas could be contentious

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

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