WILMINGTON, DE — On August 29, Delaware Governor John Carney, alongside Senator Darius Brown and other officials, signed Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 254. This legislation establishes the Delaware Grocery Initiative, a strategic effort to eliminate food deserts and enhance access to nutritious food across the state.
Governor Carney emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Healthy eating and proper nutrition are critically important to the health and welfare of our communities.” The Delaware Grocery Initiative aims to make healthy food more accessible in both urban and rural areas.
Senator Darius Brown, who sponsored the bill, highlighted the urgent need to address food insecurity. “Far too many Delaware families do not have readily available access to healthy foods,” he said. By implementing a statewide strategy, the initiative seeks to reduce food insecurity while supporting small businesses and nonprofits in underserved areas.
The initiative will offer financial assistance to eligible food providers, fostering a network to improve food availability. Representative Nnamdi Chukwuocha underscored the impact of food quality on health, stating, “The quality of our food directly impacts our quality of life.”
Logan Herring, CEO of the WRK Group, praised the legislation as a transformative measure for communities struggling with food insecurity. He expressed gratitude to the state leaders for their commitment to addressing these critical issues.
Chad Robinson of the Food Bank of Delaware highlighted the pervasive nature of food insecurity, noting that 120,000 Delawareans, including 1 in 5 children, are affected. The Grocery Initiative represents a significant step toward creating a hunger-free community.
Through this initiative, Delaware aims to address food deserts, support local food systems, and ensure every resident has access to fresh, healthy options.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.