STUDY AND REPORT ON FOOD DESERTS.

SEC. 7527. STUDY AND REPORT ON FOOD DESERTS.(a) Definition of Food Desert.—In this section, the term “food desert” means an area in the United States with limited access to affordable and nutritious food, particularly such an area composed of predominantly lower-income neighborhoods and communities.(b) Study and Report.—The Secretary shall carry out a study of, and prepare a report on, food deserts.(c) Contents.—The study and report shall—(1) assess the incidence and prevalence of food deserts;(2) identify—(A) characteristics and factors causing and influencing food deserts; and(B) the effect on local populations of limited access to affordable and nutritious food; and(3) provide recommendations for addressing the causes and effects of food deserts through measures that include—(A) community and economic development initiatives;(B) incentives for retail food market development, including supermarkets, small grocery stores, and farmers’ markets; and(C) improvements to Federal food assistance and nutrition education programs.(d) Coordination With Other Agencies and Organizations.—The Secretary shall conduct the study under this section in coordination and consultation with—(1) the Secretary of Health and Human Services;(2) the Administrator of the Small Business Administration;(3) the Institute of Medicine; and(4) representatives of appropriate businesses, academic institutions, and nonprofit and faith-based organizations.(e) Submission to Congress.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate the report prepared under this section, including the findings and recommendations described in subsection (c).122 STAT. 2040(f) Authorization of Appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $500,000.