AB 2720 Summary

• Creates the California Healthy Food Financing Initiative to expand access to healthy foods in underserved communities and eliminate food deserts through July 1, 2014.

• Requires the Department of Food and Agriculture to prepare recommendations by July 1, 2011 on actions needed to promote food access, in consultation with the State Department of Public Health and Department of Social Services.

• Establishes the California Healthy Food Financing Initiative Fund in the State Treasury comprised of federal, state, and private funds to support grocery stores, farmers' markets, community gardens, and direct farm-to-consumer marketing in underserved areas.

• Directs the Department of Food and Agriculture to coordinate with state agencies and the Treasurer to maximize federal funding opportunities from the 2010 Healthy Food Financing Initiative and leverage additional funding through tax credits and private sector institutions.

• Implementation is contingent on federal funds being made available and the initiative sunsets on January 1, 2014 unless extended by statute.