Ossoff: Grocery stores need ‘targeted relief’ to build in ‘underserved areas’

ATLANTA — Targeted tax relief is the key to attracting grocery stores to areas lacking them, a Georgia federal lawmaker said Friday.

On Thursday, Ossoff introduced the Fresh Food Act of 2024, which the lawmakers said should address food insecurity. It will give grocery stores tax credits if they open locations in “underserved areas,” making fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy more available and accessible, the lawmaker said.

“This would apply nationally for qualifying grocery stores … to attract grocery stores to communities that lack them,” Ossoff said in response to a question from ExpressTelegraph.com. “And if we want to support those local independent Mom and Pop grocers, which are having so much difficulty getting by, they need targeted relief; they need a targeted incentive.

“And what we hear from the local, independent grocery store or from the Publix or the Kroger is that it’s about the bottom line,” Ossoff added during a media briefing at the City of Refuge in Atlanta. “They have trouble making ends meet when they’re operating in areas that are underserved. This legislation will support their investment in the communities that need them most.”

Ossoff told reporters he believes lawmakers could consider the legislation as soon as the end of this year or early next year.