Cohen Reintroduces Bill to Bring Fresh, Healthy Foods to Underserved “Food Deserts”
[WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today reintroduced his Supermarket Tax Credit for Underserved Areas Act, which would help reduce the prevalence of “food deserts” and help ensure that healthy, fresh food is available throughout the nation, including in urban areas. The legislation would provide tax incentives for the establishment of supermarkets in empowerment zones and formerly designated renewal communities.
“Every American deserves access to fresh, healthy foods so that they can lead long lives, but too many live in so-called ‘food deserts’ without this critical component of a happy, healthy life,” said Congressman Cohen. “Many families living in underserved communities face transportation challenges and rely on corner convenience stores that often stock processed products rather than fresh meat and produce. My legislation addresses that challenge directly, because we should do all that we can to keep children and families healthy. This bill is an important step that will help Memphis and in communities across the nation.”
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 1 in 6 Americans live in low income communities more than half a mile from the nearest large grocery store, and many studies have shown that lack of access to the foods needed to maintain a healthy diet is a challenge that is particularly prevalent in low-income urban and rural communities. These areas are often referred to as “food deserts.” Residents of these communities are often limited to purchasing foods that are less healthy, which can contribute to the decline in health and well-being as well as may contribute to diet-related illnesses. The USDA map of these food deserts is available here.
In addition to incentivizing the establishment of supermarkets, the Supermarket Tax Credit for Underserved Areas, which Congressman Cohen also introduced in the 113th Congress, would increase the work employment tax credit for supermarkets that hire disadvantaged youth, community residents, veterans and ex-felons and provide a tax credit for supermarkets that purchase their fresh fruits and vegetables from local growers.