MA H2516

Creates an advisory committee to examine fresh food retail accessibility in Massachusetts communities, with focus on urban and rural areas lacking adequate access

Committee tasked with developing criteria to identify underserved communities, investigating causes of inadequate access, studying public health impacts, and recommending solutions including legislation, economic incentives, transportation improvements, and public-private partnerships

Committee membership includes the Commissioner of Public Health (chair), Secretary of Housing and Economic Development, Commissioner of Agricultural Resources, chairs of the Joint Committee on Public Health, a nutritionist, and 5 governor-appointed members representing supermarkets, farmers markets, gateway cities, hunger relief organizations, and the Massachusetts Public Health Association

Committee must convene within 90 days of the act's effective date and submit a report with findings, recommendations, and draft legislation within 18 months

Committee expires upon submission of its final report