MS SB2685

Establishes a pilot program through the Department of Human Services to provide grants and loans to healthy food retailers in six counties selected by the Department of Health to increase access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and affordable healthy food in underserved communities.

Authorizes the Department to contract with nonprofit organizations or community development financial institutions to administer the program, raise matching funds, evaluate applicants, underwrite loans, and monitor compliance through a public-private partnership.

Eligible projects include new supermarkets and grocery stores, store renovations and expansions, farmers' markets, food cooperatives, mobile markets, and EBT equipment installation; funding may cover site acquisition, construction, equipment, workforce training, and startup costs.

Requires applicants to demonstrate meaningful commitment to selling fresh fruits and vegetables, generally accept Food Stamps and WIC benefits, and have projects benefiting underserved communities; evaluates applicants on implementation capacity, debt repayment ability, job creation potential, and promotion of Mississippi-grown produce.

Requires the Department to establish program benchmarks, monitoring mechanisms to track fruit and vegetable sales data, and submit annual reports to the Legislature on funded projects and outcomes; effective July 1, 2011.