Urges US Congress to study food deserts and feasibility of addressing issue at federal level.
Impact
The impact of AR107 on state laws is significant, as it calls for comprehensive federal policies to supplement existing state efforts, such as New Jersey's Economic Development Authority's Food Desert Relief Program. This program provides financial assistance to improve access to nutritious food and aims to tackle the complexities of food deserts. However, the resolution acknowledges that current state measures are insufficient and that a more robust federal response is necessary to effectively resolve these issues. If the federal government commits to action based on this resolution, it may lead to more coordinated strategies and resources to combat food deserts across various states.
Summary
Assembly Resolution No. 107 urges the United States Congress to conduct a study on food deserts and the feasibility of addressing this critical issue at a federal level. Food deserts are identified as geographic areas where residents struggle to access affordable and nutritious food, mainly affecting low-income communities. The resolution highlights the challenges faced by these areas, including limited transportation options, lack of supermarkets, and high costs of healthy food options, which contribute to unhealthy eating habits among families and communities.
Contention
One notable point of contention within the discussions surrounding AR107 is the challenge of investment in grocery infrastructure within food deserts. Potential investors often perceive opening stores in low-income neighborhoods as a significant financial risk, attributed to factors such as fluctuating purchasing power among residents and increased operating costs due to crime rates. This creates a cycle where healthy food access becomes a persistent issue, prompting lawmakers to seek federal intervention to mitigate these economic barriers.