Cohen Authors Bill to Combat Food Deserts

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) today authored legislation to combat “food deserts” by offering tax incentives for the establishment of supermarkets in underserved areas. “Food deserts” are regions with little or no access to supermarkets that offer healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

“Because of food deserts, far too many people in Memphis and across the country are leading lifestyles that are jeopardizing the health and well-being of their families,” said Congressman Cohen. “Urban and rural areas are suffering from a lack of healthy eating choices due to their not being enough fruits and vegetables sold in their neighborhoods. Many families also do not have access to the transportation they need to shop at supermarkets that are further away. My bill would give families more healthy eating options by providing supermarkets with tax breaks to open new locations in urban and rural areas.”

The Supermarket Tax Credit for Underserved Areas would provide tax incentives for the establishment of supermarkets in empowerment zones and renewal communities. Memphis was established as a renewal community by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2002. The tax credit would be for development of new supermarkets in these communities and would include a credit of sales for fresh fruits and vegetables from farmers markets and community gardens. The measure also would increase the work employment tax credit to hire disadvantaged youth, local residents and veterans.

Studies show that one in every six Americans live in low income communities more than a half a mile from the nearest supermarket. People living in these communities tend to purchase food at neighborhood stores that do not offer food needed to sustain a healthy diet. A lack of healthy food choices can contribute to a decline in health and well-being.