Lawmakers in North Carolina Brainstorm Food Access Solutions

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Community groups, non-profits, and everyday citizens across the U.S. work towards getting fresh, healthy foods to families who don’t have them near by.

In North Carolina, one of 10 states with the highest food insecurity, state lawmakers are considering a legislative solution. A bill introduced last year by Rep. Yvonne Lewis Holley initially sought incentives to encourage small grocery stores to open in food deserts. But, under the state’s current budget, funding for the bill was not possible, so it was changed to a study bill.

After a few grocery stores closed in Holley’s district, fast food restaurants were left to fill the gaps. This inspired her to pursue legislation that would support healthier food options.

“If we can support fast food restaurants, we can support a grocery store and nutrient-rich foods,” she said.

A committee has been established to develop recommendations to help the situation by considering the state’s current resources. The next meeting is in late April 2014.

North Carolina has one of the fastest growing Latino populations in country.

Read more about this bill and food access in North Carolina.

Update: On April 21, 2014 the committee released their proposals: to expand education about healthy eating and exercising habits across the state and to start a joint committee with members of the senate to continue looking at how to address the problem. The proposal to expand education on healthful lifestyle habits is a bill that calls for the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, which is run by NC State University and NC A&T University, to implement education across the state for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP and previously known as food stamps.

Committee members also approved recommendations encouraging schools to find new ways to encourage students to take advantage of subsidized breakfast programs, and encouraging the state Department of Agriculture to expand a Farm to School program.

The new bill is expected to be introduced into the state legislature in May 2014.