OH HB149

Amends section 166.01 of the Revised Code to add a new definition of "underserved community grocery" as a self-service retail facility primarily selling fresh groceries, produce, and dairy products, classified as a supermarket under the North American Industry Classification System, and located in census tracts with below-average supermarket density or low-income households.

Exempts underserved community groceries from the existing prohibition on point-of-final-purchase retail facilities being eligible for loans and loan guarantees under Chapter 166, allowing them to receive financial assistance.

Establishes the Ohio Fresh Food Initiative to be administered by the Director of Development to provide grants, loans, and loan guarantees to underserved community groceries.

Appropriates up to $10,000,000 from the Facilities Establishment Fund in fiscal year 2010 for the Initiative, to be accounted for under appropriation item 195615.

Sections become effective immediately upon enactment and are not subject to referendum.