Pagel Bill Provides $6.5M To Bring Fresh Food To Underserved Areas

A southwest Michigan lawmaker is advocating for $6.5 million in funding to make fresh and nutritious food available in underserved communities across Michigan. The legislation from Representative Dave Pagel will be promoted Thursday at a farmers market on the Capitol lawn in Lansing. It would provide grants and loans for grocery stores and local public health agencies. The goal is to help retailers open, renovate or expand grocery stores primarily in low- and moderate-income areas without enough fruit, vegetables and other fresh food. Entities receiving the financing would have to accept cards from residents who qualify for government food assistance. Pagel is an apple farmer who says expanding access to healthy food will help people live healthier lives.