Vindman, Mackenzie Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Lower Grocery Costs & Expand Food Access in America’s Food Deserts

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07) and Ryan Mackenzie (R-Pa.-07) introduced the Grocery Affordability Act, legislation that cuts taxes for small, independent food retailers serving communities with limited access to affordable, nutritious food.

"Families should never have to worry about putting food on the table, but that's the reality Virginians face because groceries cost too damn much. I am fighting to change that and bring those costs down," said Vindman. "I'm proud to lead this commonsense, bipartisan bill to cut taxes for the small, independent stores that serve as lifelines in underserved communities. By helping grocers, butcher shops, and bakeries, we can improve access to affordable, nutritious food and lower grocery costs for families."

This would provide a federal tax credit equal to 30 percent of qualifying capital expenditures to eligible independent grocery stores. These include traditional stores, butcher shops, bakeries, and other small food retailers located in areas designated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as food deserts and classified as low-income census tracts would qualify for. The credit would be capped at $500,000 per taxpayer.

The business must be located in both a USDA-designated food desert and a low-income census tract, ensuring the credit targets communities facing the greatest combination of access barriers and economic hardship.

"Every community in the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos deserves access to convenient, nutritious, and affordable grocery options," said Mackenzie. "Reducing cost barriers to the expansion of businesses offering quality food options in areas not currently served can expand access and help with affordability. After years of price increases in the grocery sector, expanding choices and giving people more options will help everyone."

BACKGROUND

Vindman has been a champion for lowering grocery bills in Congress and making life better for working families.

Vindman introduced the Cutting Cumbersome Overhead for Small-farm Testing Savings (COSTS) Act, a bipartisan bill that aims to bring down Virginians' grocery bills by allowing small farms to bring more affordable, local food into grocery stores.

Vindman also backed the Farm and Family Relief Act which takes meaningful steps to strengthen the financial security of producers, lower grocery prices, and ensure that families, seniors, and veterans don't have to choose between putting food on their tables and paying their bills.

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