HB1965

House Bill 1965 establishes the 'Arkansas Healthy Food Retail Act of 2025' to improve access to fresh, healthy food in underserved urban and rural communities throughout Arkansas. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission is tasked with creating a competitive funding program—providing grants, loans, and technical assistance—to support healthy food retailers such as supermarkets, grocery stores, and farmers' markets. To qualify for funding, applicants must demonstrate a commitment to selling fresh produce, serve an identified underserved area, and accept SNAP and WIC benefits. The program aims to combat obesity and nutrition-related health issues while stimulating local economic growth and supporting Arkansas farmers. The commission is required to establish accountability measures and report annually on the program's outcomes to the legislature. The bill explicitly excludes restaurants from eligibility for these financial incentives.