AL HJR282

Food desert defined as census district where at least 20 percent of inhabitants are below poverty line and 33 percent live over a mile from nearest supermarket (or 10 miles in rural areas).

Approximately 23.5 million Americans live in food deserts in both rural and urban areas, contributing to obesity epidemic and health disparities among African Americans and Latinos.

Alabama Legislature calls for access to healthy, fresh, and affordable food in rural and urban communities to combat obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Requests Congress increase funding for the Healthy Food Financing Initiative, a collaborative effort by the Departments of Agriculture, Health and Human Services, and Treasury to bring grocery stores and healthy food retailers to underserved communities.

Directs House Clerk to transmit resolution to President, Vice President, Congress members, and federal and state officials.