Food Desert Oasis Act of 2009

USDA Food Desert Locator Map

Food Desert Oasis Act of 2009

The Food Desert Oasis Act of 2009 is a piece of United States federal legislation aimed at addressing the issue of food deserts in the United States. Food deserts are areas, often in low-income neighborhoods, where residents have limited access to affordable and nutritious food. The Act was introduced to promote the establishment of grocery stores, farmers' markets, and other food providers in these underserved areas.

Background

Food deserts are typically characterized by a lack of supermarkets and other sources of fresh and healthy food. Residents in these areas often rely on convenience stores and fast food outlets, which offer limited healthy options. The lack of access to nutritious food contributes to higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and other diet-related health issues.

Provisions of the Act

The Food Desert Oasis Act of 2009 includes several key provisions aimed at improving access to healthy food in underserved areas:

• Grants and Loans: The Act provides grants and low-interest loans to support the establishment and expansion of grocery stores, farmers' markets, and other food providers in food deserts.
• Tax Incentives: Businesses that open or expand in food deserts are eligible for tax incentives, including tax credits and deductions.
• Nutrition Education: The Act funds nutrition education programs to help residents make healthier food choices.
• Community Involvement: The Act encourages community involvement in the planning and implementation of food access initiatives.

Implementation

The Act is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in collaboration with other federal, state, and local agencies. The USDA is responsible for identifying food deserts and distributing funds to eligible projects.

Impact

Since its implementation, the Food Desert Oasis Act of 2009 has led to the establishment of numerous grocery stores and farmers' markets in underserved areas. These initiatives have improved access to fresh and healthy food for thousands of residents and have contributed to better health outcomes in these communities.

Criticism

Despite its successes, the Act has faced criticism. Some argue that the funding provided is insufficient to address the scale of the problem. Others believe that the Act does not adequately address the underlying economic and social issues that contribute to the existence of food deserts.

See also

• Food security
• Public health
• Healthy food financing initiatives
• Community-supported agriculture