Legislation helping local farmers and increasing access to healthy food wins House approval
STATEHOUSE – Legislation authored by State Rep. Justin Moed (D-Indianapolis) increasing access to locally grown produce for all Hoosiers, particularly individuals living in areas classified as food deserts, was approved today by members of the Indiana House of Representatives.
Food deserts are defined as regions with restricted access to nutritious and affordable foods. House Bill 1248 establishes the Local Food & Farm Council as an advisory council to the Indiana Department of Agriculture. The Council provides a forum to share policies across the state targeted at growing more food locally and eliminating food deserts.
“By leveraging Indiana’s history and tradition of agriculture, we can find workable solutions to eliminate food deserts,” said Moed. “This is equally a matter of public health. Indiana is nationally ranked 8th for obesity, and providing healthy and affordable alternatives to convenience stores and fast food restaurants will help reduce the prevalence of obesity in our communities.”
The legislation is backed by a diverse coalition of organizations, including the American Heart Association, Hoosier Farmers Market Alliance, Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Farm Bureau, Purdue University, IU Health, Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, Indianapolis Food Co-op, and Hoosier farmers.
“Currently, our state imports 90 percent of the food we consume at an annual cost of $14.5 billion,” noted Moed. “Our goal is to help local farmers thrive while working to reduce the ongoing health problems many Hoosiers are experiencing. I believe we can strengthen Indiana’s economy and overall well-being of Hoosiers by growing more of our food locally.”
With combined bipartisan efforts, Moed teamed up with State Reps. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis), Lloyd Arnold (R-Leavenworth), and Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne) on this legislation.
HB 1248 was passed by the House on a vote of 89-5 and now proceeds to the Senate for additional debate.