Committee backs state food‑desert grant program that would offer small retailers up to $15,000

The committee voted March 2 to approve Resolution 240, endorsing House Bill 543 to establish a food‑desert elimination grant program intended to expand access to healthy, affordable food across underserved Cleveland neighborhoods.

Councilman Starr described the bill as creating a program to help small and independent food retailers in underserved areas stock fresh produce and meat, noting grants of about $15,000 per retailer and initial program funding of roughly $2,200,000. "We know that when you do not have good quality foods in your neighborhood, it becomes a health problems for you and your family later on down the road," Starr said.

Starr said the bill is sponsored by Representative Williams and state Representative Terrence Upchurch and that the program could provide initial support to get the program running and potentially leverage more funds later. Council members asked that the city’s health department provide an assessment of local food access and gaps, and several members added their names as cosponsors on the resolution. The committee approved the resolution; the transcript does not record a roll‑call vote.