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 59 establishes a grocer reinvestment program to provide grants for capital improvements, equipment, and technology upgrades to eligible grocery stores, primarily those with five or fewer locations in underserved or low-to-moderate-income communities. It also creates a local produce processing grant program to support Iowa-based entities increasing the availability and capacity of processing for fruits and vegetables grown in the state. A new fund will be created to finance both programs. Additionally, the bill modifies the existing local food and farm program to include grocery stores in its purpose of strengthening local food economies.