§ 57-10-701. Short title

This article shall be known as the “Small Business and Grocer Investment Act.”

§ 57-10-703. Legislative intent

The Legislature finds the following: Developing quality retail food outlets creates jobs, expands markets for Mississippi farmers, and supports economic vitality in underserved communities. Increasing access to retail food outlets that sell fresh fruits, vegetables and other healthy food is an important strategy for fighting the obesity epidemic and improving health. Studies have shown that […]

§ 57-10-705. Definitions

As used in this article: “Agency” means the Mississippi Development Authority. “Funding” means grants, loans, or a combination of grants and loans. “Healthy food retailers” means retailers that sell quality fresh fruits and vegetables, in natural and/or frozen form, including, but not limited to, supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores and farmers’ markets. “Program” means technical […]

§ 57-10-707. Establishment of program to provide grants and loans to food retailers to increase access to healthy foods in underserved communities; public-private partnerships; uses of funds; application for funding

To the extent funds are available, the Mississippi Development Authority, in cooperation with public and private sector partners, is authorized to establish a program modeled on comparable initiatives throughout the nation that provides grants and loans and/or promotes access to healthy food retailers that increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables, in natural and/or frozen […]

§ 57-10-709. Use of funding to leverage other sources of funds

Funding described in this article, to the extent practicable, may be used to leverage other sources of funds, including, but not limited to, New Markets Tax Credits, federal and foundation grant programs, incentives available to designated Enterprise Zones or Renewal Communities, operator equity and funds from private sector financial institutions under the federal Community Reinvestment […]

§ 57-10-711. Repeal of Sections 57-10-701 through 57-10-709

Sections 57-10-701 through 57-10-709 shall stand repealed on July 1, 2022.