NC H957

Establishes a "food desert zone" designation for census tracts meeting USDA Economic Research Service criteria: poverty rate of 20% or greater (or median family income at or below 80% of state median) AND at least 500 persons or 33% of population living more than 1 mile from a grocery store in metropolitan areas or more than 10 miles in nonmetropolitan areas.

Allows counties to apply to the Secretary of Commerce for food desert zone designation, which remains effective for 10 years and requires submission of maps, boundary descriptions, census data, and a county commissioner resolution.

Provides tax credits for retailers selling nutrient dense foods (fresh vegetables/fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, legumes, low-fat dairy) in food desert zones if such sales comprise at least 10% of gross receipts.

Extends existing tax incentive credits for job creation and business property investment to food desert zones, treating them equivalently to development tier one areas for credit calculation purposes.

Effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2013.