STATEHOUSE (Jan. 23, 2018) — A bill authored by State Sen. John Ruckelshaus (R-Indianapolis) recently passed the Senate by a vote of 46-3.
Senate Bill 232 would establish the Access to Nutritious Food Program, which would fall under the jurisdiction of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA). The purpose of the program is to focus on the distribution of fresh and nutritious food as well as education in food preparation and nutrition in food deserts.
“After taking an in-depth look at this issue during the summer, we found that there was a serious distribution problem with fresh food,” Ruckelshaus said. “This bill would support the vibrant non-profit sector that helps combat food deserts so that more Indiana residents can get fresh, nutritious food.”
The bill would also require the IHCDA to hold an annual meeting to discuss how the program is performing.
The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
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