The Iowa House has unanimously voted to create a grant program to help grocery stores buy new equipment, update technology or utilities and make other improvements. Representative Shannon Latham of Sheffield says the number of food deserts is growing in Iowa.
Latham says the proposed Iowa Grocer Reinvestment Fund could offer grants of up to 100-thousand dollars that would have to be matched by a grocery store owner.
Representative Austin Harris of Moulton says the bill defines what a grocery store is to ensure small town “country stores” could qualify for a grant.
Representative JD Scholten of Sioux City says the bill is a step in the right direction, but more must be done to address unfair competition.
The bill also calls for state grants for grocers to process and sell locally raised meat and produce. Representative Latham says studies show obesity rates are lower in areas where people have access to a grocery store.
The bill sets up the grant programs, but House leadership says a decision on how much money to set aside for these grants hasn’t been made yet.
