Sen. Jon Ossoff and Rep. Sanford Bishop are championing the Fresh Food Act of 2024, aimed at addressing Georgia’s food deserts and encouraging local food sourcing.
Ossoff noted the widespread issue of lacking grocery stores, while Georgia farmers export much of their fresh produce.
This results in higher pollution from long transportation routes and worsens food insecurity.
The bill, introduced in September, seeks to incentivize grocery stores to set up in underserved areas, defined as regions with limited access to stores and higher poverty rates.
It offers tax credits of 26-30% to grocery stores in the first three years of operation, with an extra 5% credit if they source produce locally.
The bill has drawn strong support from the agriculture community, local officials, and health leaders.
By encouraging local sourcing and reducing food miles, this initiative addresses environmental concerns, health issues, and economic disparities.
Rep. Bishop emphasized the bill’s potential to benefit all Americans, particularly in rural and high-poverty areas, while supporting local farmers and reducing food costs.