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Bill

HB 821

Relating to the establishment of a grocery access investment fund program.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Diego Bernal

Texas bill creates investment fund to finance grocery infrastructure in food deserts, targeting improved food access in underserved communities.

Left pending in subcommittee
#agriculture #departmentof(v0566) #charitable&nonprofitorganizations(i0055) #food(s0761) #humanservices--foodprograms(i0910) #statefinances--management&control(i0748)
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Bill Summary · HB 821

Legislative bill overview

HB 821 proposes establishing a grocery access investment fund program in Texas, likely designed to increase availability of fresh food and grocery options in underserved communities. The bill would create a mechanism for state investment in grocery infrastructure in areas identified as having limited retail food access.

Why is this important

Food deserts—areas with limited access to affordable, nutritious food—correlate with higher rates of diet-related diseases and health disparities in low-income and rural communities. By establishing an investment fund, Texas could address structural barriers to healthy food access while potentially stimulating economic development in underserved regions through job creation and business establishment.

Potential points of contention

  • State funding allocation: Questions about whether dedicated state funds should support private grocery businesses or if alternative approaches (incentive programs, subsidies) would be more cost-effective
  • Definition and identification of target areas: Disagreement over criteria for designating "grocery access gaps" and whether urban versus rural communities receive equitable consideration
  • Program administration and accountability: Concerns about oversight mechanisms, performance metrics, and whether investments actually result in sustained, profitable grocery operations in challenged markets

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

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