House approves measure to bring grocery stores to food deserts
Dallas officials are eyeing a bill narrowly approved in the House today that would help bring grocery stores to food deserts like those in the southern part of the county.
More than a third of Dallas County’s ZIP codes (36 percent) contain food deserts, which means they have limited access to affordable and nutritious food, according to a 2012 report. These areas are predominately in African American and Hispanic communities, which also tend to have higher rates of diabetes and other health issues.
A bill by Rep. Eddie Rodriguez, D-Austin, provides for an incentive program to help low-income and rural areas most in need through public and private funds. The Texas Department of Agriculture would partner with nonprofits and private businesses to build, rehabilitate or expand grocery stores.
Texas has more than 3 million people living in a food desert, which contributes to obesity issues. If the legislation becomes law, many hope building grocery stores will also bring jobs and other economic development to these areas.
Read more: http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/2015/05/house-approves-measure-to-bring-grocery-stores-to-food-deserts.html/
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