A bill for an act creating a grocer reinvestment program, a local produce processing grant program, and a grocer reinvestment and local food processing fund under the purview of the economic development authority, modifying the local food and farm program, and making appropriations.

HF 550 establishes two new programs under the economic development authority: a grocer reinvestment program and a local produce processing grant program. The grocer reinvestment program offers grants up to $100,000 to eligible small grocery stores in smaller communities for capital improvements, equipment, and technology upgrades, requiring matching funds. The local produce processing grant program provides grants to Iowa-based entities to increase the availability and capacity of local produce processing, requiring use of produce from multiple Iowa farms. The bill also creates a dedicated fund for these programs and expands the existing local food and farm program to include grocery stores.