TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS HEALTHY FOOD RETAIL ACT OF 2025; AND TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR HEALTHY FOOD RETAILERS IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES.

New funding for Arkansas food retailers

The law creates competitive funding for healthy food projects serving underserved Arkansas communities, subject to available funds. Businesses, cooperatives, community development entities, colleges, and government bodies can apply; restaurants are excluded. Applicants must meet the state's fresh-produce standard and accept SNAP and WIC benefits. Grants, loans, and other financing support stores, farmers' markets, mobile markets, food cooperatives, and fresh-produce distribution. Covered costs include land, construction, upgrades, equipment, training, security, planning, startup inventory, working capital, and technical help. Financing tools include equity investments, loan backing, lower-priority debt, and help lowering interest rates. Funds can attract private investment, federal and foundation grants, and tax-credit financing, including Community Reinvestment Act funding under its January 1, 2025 rules. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission runs the program and can hire qualified partners, which can distribute funds and cover administrative costs. Applications are judged on project viability, repayment ability, funding need, community impact, transit access, produce sales, and local jobs. The commission must coordinate with nutrition programs, set rules, monitor fair rural and urban benefits, and report funded projects and results annually to lawmakers. The law sets no award amount or program end date.