AL HR261

Food deserts are defined as census districts where at least 20 percent of inhabitants live below the poverty line and 33 percent live over one mile from the nearest supermarket (or over 10 miles in rural areas), affecting approximately 23.5 million Americans.

Food deserts contribute to the obesity epidemic by forcing low-income populations to rely on processed and fast food instead of fresh produce and proteins, with adult obesity rates 51 percent higher for African Americans than whites and 21 percent higher for Latinos.

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

Resolution affirms Alabama's commitment to wellness and demands placement of supermarkets, farmer's markets, healthy fast food options, and convenience stores in communities lacking access to affordable fresh food.

House Clerk is directed to transmit copies of this resolution to the President, Vice President, members of Congress, and other federal and state officials.