HB2538 - Healthy Food Program Development Act

• Authorizes the Department of Agriculture to coordinate with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to establish a Healthy Food Development Program providing assistance to grocery stores, corner stores, farmers' markets, and small food retailers in eligible areas.

• Program may offer grants, loans, state tax credits, equipment, financial assistance, and technical assistance on a competitive basis, with priority given to projects with greatest potential to expand healthy food access in underserved areas.

• Participating retailers must agree in writing to sell produce or other healthy foods for at least 3 years and are encouraged to accept SNAP and WIC benefits and employ state residents.

• Requires Department to designate a grocery ambassador to provide research on food access gaps, assist with regulatory procedures, and coordinate across state agencies.

• Requires Department to convene a working group with representatives from state agencies, nonprofits, urban farmers, corner stores, and produce wholesalers to develop a plan for a commercial distribution system for fresh produce, with recommendations due to General Assembly by December 31, 2021.