HJR282 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Oliver Robinson

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Food deserts, Congress urged to eliminate

Summary

A nonbinding Alabama House resolution urging Congress and the federal government to eliminate food deserts by improving access to healthy, affordable food.

What This Bill Does

Defines food deserts using USDA criteria and notes the health problems linked to lack of access to fresh food. Calls for actions to improve access to healthy foods in rural and urban areas to reduce obesity and related diseases. Requests federal actions and increased funding for the Healthy Food Financing Initiative, and asks for cooperation among federal agencies. States that this is a statement of Alabama's concerns and a request for federal action, not a new Alabama law.

Who It Affects

• Low-income residents in urban and rural Alabama who live in food deserts and must travel long distances to buy fresh produce and proteins.
• Federal government entities (Congress and federal agencies) that would be urged to take action and potentially provide funding to programs like the Healthy Food Financing Initiative to eliminate food deserts.

Key Provisions

• USDA-based definition of food deserts (poverty criteria and distance to the nearest supermarket; rural distance).
• A call to place supermarkets, farmer's markets, healthy menu options at fast-food venues, and local convenience stores in underserved communities.
• A request for Congress and federal agencies to work together and for increased funding for the Healthy Food Financing Initiative to attract healthy food retailers to underserved areas.
• Authorization for the Clerk of the House to transmit this resolution to federal officials and other appropriate recipients.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative