MA S1616

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

Committee must develop criteria for identifying underserved communities, investigate causes of inadequate access, and study public health impacts

Committee membership includes the Commissioner of Public Health (chair), Secretary of Housing and Economic Development, Commissioner of Agricultural Resources, joint committee chairs, 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 findings, recommendations, and draft legislation within 18 months

Recommendations must include strategies such as legislation, economic incentives, transportation improvements, public-private partnerships, and pilot programs, with cost-benefit analysis for each