HB 1643 Summary

• Defines "food desert" as an underserved geographic area where affordable fresh and healthy foods are difficult to obtain, determined by the state department of health.

• Identifies food deserts as areas meeting specific criteria: at least 25% of households below federal poverty level; median family income not exceeding 80% of Indiana's median; or populations of at least 500 residents or 33% of population residing more than 1 mile (or 10 miles in nonmetropolitan areas) from a supermarket or large grocery store.

• Urges the legislative council to assign a study committee to examine food deserts in Indiana, including identifying existing desert areas, reviewing public and private programs in Indiana and other states, identifying effective solutions, and identifying available funding sources.

• Requires the study committee to submit a final report to the legislative council in electronic format no later than November 1, 2017.

• Provision expires December 31, 2017; effective July 1, 2017.