Food deserts; SHHR to explore and recommend strategies to eliminate in State. (HJ646)

Introduced By

Del. Delores McQuinn (D-Richmond)

Progress

Introduced
Passed Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate

Description

Study; eliminate food deserts in Virginia; report. Requests the Secretary of Health and Human Resources to explore and recommend strategies to eliminate food deserts, areas devoid of access to affordable fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other food products and staples necessary for a healthy diet. In conducting the study, the Secretary is also requested to examine ways to make healthy and affordable food products available and accessible to low-income and poor citizens and impoverished communities throughout the Commonwealth. The Secretary of Health and Human Resources must submit his findings and recommendations to the 2014 Regular Session of the General Assembly. Read the Bill »

Outcome

Bill Has Failed

History

DateAction
01/08/2013Committee
01/08/2013Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/09/13 13101706D
01/08/2013Referred to Committee on Rules
01/16/2013Assigned Rules sub: Studies
01/24/2013Subcommittee recommends laying on the table
02/05/2013Left in Rules

Comments

Virginia Food Freedom writes:

The way to Eliminate Food deserts in Virginia is to pass both the Food Freedom Act HB 1839 and the Boneta Bill HB 1430 . The VFFA will allow both inner city and rural residents to process ( KEY word) foods in their homes and on their farms without onerous state requirements which kill jobs and raise the price of good wholesome foods that could be available within communities. The Boneta Bill will allow farms to sell locally produced goods that neighbors have made and have available.

No one is forcing people to buy these foods. Most people who will purchase local foods know the folks who have made them and have been to their homes or farms and have eaten the foods in question already. As long as a label is affixed that lists the Producer, the producers address, the product ingredients and the label "Processed and prepared without State inspection" Then any foods shall be legal. This nation was built on small town economies and village food systems.

I commend Del. Delores McQuinn for championing such an important issue facing our commonwealth. Thank you delegate McQuinn and please Co-Patron both the Virginia Food Freedom Act HB 1839 and the Boneta Bill HB 1430. They will be in the Sub Committee Monday, January 28th at 5 PM, Fifth Floor