Bill Summary for H 789 (2015-2016)

Printer-friendly: Click to view

Summary date: 

Apr 16 2015

Bill Information:

View NCGA Bill Details2015-2016 Session
House Bill 789 (Public) Filed Tuesday, April 14, 2015
AN ACT TO PROMOTE HEALTHY FOOD FINANCING.
Intro. by Holley, Gill, Jackson, G. Martin.

View: All Summaries for BillTracking:

Bill summary

Provides that if H 250, enacting the Corner Store Initiative Act to assist healthy food small retailers, does not become law, then Part 2J of Article 10 of GS Chapter 143B is enacted and amended as follows. Renames the Part as Healthy Food Financing. Enacts new GS 143B-437.92 creating the Office of Food Business Development (Office) with specified powers, including identifying and implementing methods for improving access in the state to nutrient-dense foods, and coordinating the interaction of the state's farming and agriculture industries with food businesses in the state. 

Enacts new GS 143B-437.93 establishing in the Office the Access to Healthy Food Financing Fund (Fund). Requires moneys in the Fund to be used to expand access to fresh produce and other nutritious foods in low‑income communities by offering financing for the opening, renovation, and expansion of food businesses. Encourages the Office to award at least 25% of amounts from the Fund in the form of grants or forgivable loans. Sets out the eight criteria for evaluating an application for financing, including the applicant's proposed plan for use of funds, the applicant's capacity to successfully implement the project and the likelihood that the project will be economically self‑sustaining, and the level of need in the area to be served. Allows the Office to enter into an agreement to provide financing to food businesses. Specifies provisions that must be met by a food business to be eligible to receive funds, including that the food business is located in a low‑income community or underserved community. Requires the Office to report annually on recommended policy changes, projects funded, and other specified topics. Provides that a food business receiving an award from the Fund forfeits the award if the business fails to maintain the applicable eligibility requirements during the term of the agreement.