Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) has introducing the Healthy Food Financing Initiative Reauthorization Act.  The intent is to provide funds to establish grocery stores in areas devoid of grocery stores in so-called “food deserts.”

Senator Gillibrand stated, “An easily accessible grocery store is a basic necessity. For decades the residents of many urban areas have not had consistent access.  That means that they have to travel miles outside their neighborhood just to buy staple groceries and for residents without an automobile that can mean a multi-hour journey by foot or public transport.” 

New York State has provided financial and technical assistance to food retailers in four cities benefiting residents through convenience and improved diets.