WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1965

TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS HEALTHY FOOD RETAIL ACT OF 2025; AND TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR HEALTHY FOOD RETAILERS IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kim Hammer and 1 co-sponsor

The Arkansas Healthy Food Retail Act boosts access to fresh produce in underserved areas, improving health and creating jobs while supporting local farmers and retailers.

Notification that HB1965 is now Act 870
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1965

Summary of HB 1965 - Arkansas Healthy Food Retail Act of 2025

Bill Number: HB 1965
Status: Now Act 870
Introduced: April 01, 2025
Authors: Representative McCullough, Senator K. Hammer

Purpose and Intent

The Arkansas Healthy Food Retail Act of 2025 aims to address the lack of access to healthy food options in underserved communities across Arkansas. The bill recognizes that limited availability of fresh produce and healthy foods contributes to high obesity rates and related health issues, particularly among low-income families, children, and the elderly. The legislation seeks to improve access to affordable healthy food, promote the sale of Arkansas-grown produce, and support economic opportunities in these communities.

Key Provisions

Establishment of the Healthy Food Retailer Program

  • Funding Sources: The program will provide grants, loans, or a combination of both to healthy food retailers.
  • Eligible Retailers: Includes supermarkets, grocery stores, farmers' markets, and other entities selling fresh produce at competitive prices.
  • Target Areas: Focuses on underserved communities defined as areas with limited access to healthy food retailers.

Program Administration

  • The Arkansas Economic Development Commission will oversee the program, potentially partnering with nonprofit organizations and community development financial institutions to administer funding and evaluate projects.
  • Funding will be allocated on a competitive basis for projects that align with the program's goals.

Eligible Projects

Funding can be used for:
- Construction of new healthy food retailers.
- Renovations and infrastructure upgrades to improve food availability.
- Development of farmers' markets and mobile food delivery projects.
- Workforce training and technical assistance for retailers.

Funding Criteria

To qualify for funding, applicants must:
- Operate in an underserved community.
- Demonstrate a commitment to selling fresh produce.
- Accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits.

Impact

The Arkansas Healthy Food Retail Act of 2025 is expected to:
- Increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables, thereby improving public health.
- Create jobs and stimulate economic growth in underserved areas.
- Support local farmers by expanding markets for Arkansas-grown produce.

Legislative Timeline

  • April 01, 2025: Bill filed.
  • April 02, 2025: Read first time and referred to the House Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor.
  • April 07, 2025: Passed in the House and transmitted to the Senate.
  • April 09, 2025: Returned by the Senate Committee with a recommendation to pass.
  • April 14, 2025: Passed in the Senate and returned to the House.
  • April 17, 2025: Notification that HB 1965 is now Act 870.

This legislation represents a significant step towards improving food access and health outcomes in Arkansas, particularly for those in economically disadvantaged areas.

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

Sign in to ask a question.