H.R.2473 - Healthy Food Access for All Americans Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2473, the "Healthy Food Access for All Americans Act," aims to address food deserts by incentivizing investment in healthy food options through tax credits and grants. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish these programs, targeting grocery stores, food banks, and temporary access merchants operating in underserved areas. The Act also mandates updates to the USDA's Food Access Research Atlas to better reflect the availability of food retailers.
Expected Effects
The Act is likely to increase the availability of grocery stores, food banks, and farmers markets in designated food deserts. This will be achieved through financial incentives, encouraging businesses and non-profits to establish or improve operations in these areas. The updated Food Access Research Atlas will provide more accurate data, potentially leading to better-targeted interventions.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to healthy food options in underserved communities.
- Stimulation of local economies through investment in grocery stores and food banks.
- Support for farmers markets and mobile food vendors, providing diverse food sources.
- Potential for job creation in the food retail and distribution sectors.
- Improved data collection and analysis to better understand and address food insecurity.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for inefficient allocation of tax credits and grants if not properly managed.
- Risk of fraud or abuse in the certification and allocation processes.
- Administrative costs associated with implementing and overseeing the new programs.
- Possible unintended consequences for existing businesses in or near food deserts.
- The definition of 'food desert' may be too broad or narrow, leading to misallocation of resources.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is primarily based on the "general Welfare" clause (Article I, Section 8), which allows Congress to enact laws that promote the well-being of the population. The spending and tax provisions are subject to the constraints of the Taxing and Spending Clause. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).