Iowa bill seeks to bring grocery options to underserved communities – GWC Mag

A newly proposed bill in Iowa aims to address grocery gaps by standing up a dedicated fund and grant program.

Iowa state Rep. Brian Lohse, who introduced the bill, opened a grocery store and restaurant with his wife Mary in 2014 after winning a $202 million Powerball jackpot two years prior, according to the Des Moines Register. Fareway bought their store and cafe in early 2023. 

As outlined in the bill, the proposed program would use $2 million appropriated from the state’s general fund for each of the state’s next two fiscal years, starting in July. Grocers could then apply to use the funding to ramp up food access, particularly for Iowa residents in low- or moderate-income communities or for consumers receiving SNAP benefits.

The bill defines a “low or moderate income community” as one where more than half of the population living in a census tract are at or below 80% of the area median income.

Grocers with 10 or fewer stores would be eligible for the program, which would award between $50,000 and $500,000. The bill would require grocers participating in the program to provide matching funds for the project. 

If the bill becomes law, grocers would be able to seek funds to invest in capital improvements, to create or expand capacity, upgrade utilities, buy equipment and furnishings, hire professional services, and tap technology, such as inventory management and cybersecurity solutions. 

The bill made it out of Funnel Week — the time when bills live or die at the Iowa State Capitol — and is now eligible for debate and a vote on the House floor, We Are Iowa reported.