The S.C. House Ways and Means Committee will be debating the state budget the week of February 22nd, including a request for funds for the S.C. Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI). This initiative will provide loans to local farmers and businesses to establish, renovate or expand food projects in communities known as “food deserts” (neighborhoods where residents do not have access to purchase healthy, affordable food). Eat Smart Move More South Carolina is very supportive of this request, and we ask you to join with us in contacting legislators asking them to support this funding request.
During the week of February 15th, a call or email to your representative in the S.C. General Assembly can make a huge difference to our efforts. Please ask them to support this funding request because:
Over one million South Carolinians are not able to purchase healthy, affordable food in the communities where they live
The HFFI will provide a funding mechanism for loans for local farmers and businesses to establish, renovate or expand different food projects in these communities, such as mobile markets, small food stores, grocery stores, and other healthy food enterprises
Studies show that expanding the availability of nutritious food can combat obesity in children and adults-These new projects will also create job opportunities and enhance community development
Please take a few minutes and use your voice (and email) to let your representative know that this issue is important to you and to the constituents in their district and ask them to support this funding request.
