Congressman Cohen and Senator Ossoff Reintroduce the Fresh Food Act

WASHINGTON - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today introduced the Fresh Food Act that Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia introduced in the Senate last week. The measure would increase the rehabilitation tax credit for establishing supermarkets in urban and rural food deserts and increase the work opportunity tax credit for these supermarkets to hire local residents, veterans, disadvantaged youth and other workers facing barriers to employment. The bill would also create a tax credit for sales of fresh fruit and vegetables. The bill has the support of food justice and anti-hunger organizations.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

"For more than 20 million Americans living in underserved communities such as parts of my district in Memphis and Tipton County, living in a food desert without access to affordable fresh food and vegetables is an unhealthy reality. A lack of healthy food options can contribute to declining health and well-being and may contribute to diet-related illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease. The Fresh Food Act addresses this problem with a comprehensive set of credits to incentivize companies to establish grocery stores in underserved urban and rural areas, hire local residents and workers who traditionally face barriers to employment, and sell affordable fresh fruits and vegetables."

Senator Ossoff made the following statement:

"No Georgia family should lack access to fresh, healthy food, but too many communities lack grocery stores. That's why I'm joining Congressman Cohen in introducing the Fresh Food Act, which will support local grocers and farmers in Georgia and nationwide."

Endorsement:

"Many Americans live in communities with little or no access to fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and other nutritious staples. The Fresh Food Act will help bring independent grocers into these our nation's underserved communities and provide them with greater fresh food options and employment opportunities," said National Grocers Association Chief Government Relations Officer and Counsel Chris Jones.

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