Bill
LR 239
Proposes an interim study to assess and improve access to fresh, nutritious food in urban QCTs, mapping supply chains and evaluating models like mobile markets and co-ops.
Overview
- Bill Type: Legislative Resolution (LR)
- Bill Number: LR 239
- Introduced: May 15, 2025
- Sponsor: Spivey (primary)
- Status: Notice of hearing issued for October 16, 2025
- Legislature: Nebraska, One Hundred Ninth Legislature, First Session
Purpose
- Proposes an interim study by the Urban Affairs Committee to evaluate the status and impact of food access in urban qualified census tracts (QCTs), with emphasis on access to fresh, nutritious food.
- Aims to identify ways to improve access, understand supply chains, and explore policy options to strengthen urban food systems.
Key Provisions
The study shall address, at minimum, the following:
1) Evaluating various ways to improve fresh food access in urban qualified census tracts.
2) Mapping and reviewing supply ecosystems that affect food access.
3) Evaluating the potential roles of:
- Mobile markets
- Food hubs
- Local farmers
- Co-ops
- Community-supported agriculture (CSA)
in strengthening food systems.
4) Quantifying the impact of food access on:
- Public health
- Educational outcomes
- Workforce participation
Specifically among children, seniors, and low-income families in urban QCTs.
5) Reviewing successful program models in other states.
6) Identifying potential policy recommendations and opportunities.
Methodology and Collaboration
- The Urban Affairs Committee may confer with:
- State and local agencies
- Food producers and grocers
- Food banks
- Public health officials
- Community organizations
- Impacted individuals
- Other partners
- Purpose of collaboration: determine effective policy responses to address improving food access in Nebraska.
Timeline and Reporting
- Interim study conducted by the designated committee (Urban Affairs Committee).
- Upon conclusion, the committee shall report its findings and recommendations to the Legislative Council or Legislature.
Legislative Actions and Context
- Referred to Urban Affairs Committee: May 19, 2025
- Introduced: May 15, 2025
- Referred to Executive Board: May 15, 2025
- Notice of hearing: October 16, 2025
Impact and Implications
- No immediate policy changes are enacted; the resolution initiates a formal study.
- Expected outputs include a comprehensive assessment of urban food access in QCTs, identification of scalable models (e.g., mobile markets, co-ops, CSA), and concrete policy recommendations to improve nutrition, health outcomes, education, and economic participation for residents in targeted urban areas.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
