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Pennsylvania Launches Supermarket Initiative
PHILADELPHIA -- A statewide initiative, which will support development of supermarkets and other fresh-food retailers in under-served, disadvantaged urban and rural communities throughout Pennsylvania that lack adequate access to supermarkets, is getting $10 million, Gov. Edward G. Rendell announced yesterday."It is crucial that we provide the funding and resources to help bring supermarkets to areas that have been underserved for too long," said Rendell said. "Bringing supermarkets into these areas will promote healthy living and create jobs throughout the commonwealth."Last year, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives' Committee on Health and Human Services released a report urging state and local governments to create economic incentives to encourage the development of supermarkets in urban neighborhoods. According to the Food Marketing Task Force, Philadelphia has the second lowest number of supermarkets per capita of major cities in the nation. The lack of access to healthy food is directly linked to higher rates of obesity, malnutrition and diet-related disease among low-income families. In Philadelphia, 7% of adults are diabetic, 23% are obese and 59% are overweight.The nonprofit Reinvestment Fund will use $10 million from the Market Development Appropriation Act 7A to administer a statewide "Supermarket Initiative," Rendell said. Through a program of grants and loans, the initiative will enhance the food markets component of the first industries program when the Commonwealth Financing Authority approves guidelines for the program.The funds are being allocated through the Department of Community and Economic Development, the governor said. The grants would be limited to projects that benefit the local economy or well being of a neighborhood.The First Industries Fund will make new and necessary financial assistance through grants and loans available to two industries -- agriculture and tourism. Supermarkets will be eligible to access this fund that will make $150 million available to farmers, businesses involved in agriculture, farm co-ops, businesses involved in destination tourism and the hospitality industry.The First Industries Fund, approved by the Legislature in July, is a component of the governor's economic-stimulus program, which will leverage $2.3 billion in grants, loans and guarantees over the next three years to generate an anticipated $5 billion in private-sector investment to help start new businesses in Pennsylvania and help existing companies expand."