Policy Efforts to Watch: Nebraska Healthy Food Financing Initiative Act
In the 2012 session of the Nebraska Legislature, Nebraska State Senator Brenda Council introduced the Nebraska Healthy Food Financing Initiative Act, which would set aside $300,000 in the state budget for small loans, grants, and interest rate assistance on loans made through other financial institutions. The bill would provide funding to establish new farmers’ markets and community gardens, develop cooperative grocery stores, establish new grocery stores, and refurbish existing grocery stores to better meet the needs of the community in terms of providing fresh, healthy food. While the Agriculture Committee held a hearing on the bill and the legislation was supported by farmers and public health groups alike, the bill did not make it to the governor’s desk for signature.