A bill aimed at helping rural grocery stores remain open is still alive at the Iowa State Capitol.
State Representative Shannon Latham of Sheffield says her grocery reinvestment proposal, House File 1032, was not subject to the legislature’s first funnel deadline last week because it previously passed the House and now sits in Senate Appropriations.
Latham says the measure would create a reinvestment program to help small-town grocers cover costly equipment and infrastructure needs, such as replacing freezers — expenses that can threaten already thin profit margins.
“There are studies that show communities that have access to a local grocery store are literally and figuratively healthier. So we know that they are the heart of a community. You know we have so many people who are elderly. We have young families who need access to good staples; fresh fruits and vegetables.”
Latham is also managing House File 2444, introduced by Representative Chad Ingels of Randalia, which would broaden opportunities for home-based food producers and establish a short-term permit for farm-to-table gatherings.
The legislation connects to the state’s Choose Iowa initiative, promoted by Ag Secretary Mike Naig, aimed at strengthening marketing opportunities for local producers.
“So what that bill does, it passed through subcommittee and just passed through the House Agriculture Committee as well. And it really helps expand Iowa’s cottage food industry and allows local producers to come together for farm-to-table events. We’re trying to create a special event permit for those farm-to-table events. And what it’s really going to do is just expand those marketing opportunities for local producers. So I think there’s a great connection there between the local producers and the local grocery stores. So whatever we can do, it’s just a win-win in my opinion for both of those groups.”
Latham says she looks forward to advancing both bills, which aim to strengthen rural grocery stores and expand marketing opportunities for local food producers.
Full interview below
