Food Deserts Act

The "Food Deserts Act" establishes a program under the Secretary of Agriculture to combat food deserts by increasing access to grocery stores in underserved communities. This program provides capitalization grants to States, which are then required to establish and administer revolving funds. These funds are specifically designed to offer loans for the purpose of establishing and operating grocery stores in areas identified as underserved, though new construction is not an eligible use of funds. States will use these revolving funds to make loans to eligible grocery stores that emphasize unprocessed, healthful foods , provide a variety of fruits, vegetables, and staple foods, and charge affordable prices. Priority is given to stores that hire local residents, offer nutrition education, and source food from local farms. Loans are provided at or below market interest rates, potentially interest-free, for terms up to 30 years, with a maximum of 10 percent of the fund's annual availability per participant. The bill authorizes an appropriation of $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 to carry out these provisions.