S Florida Lawmaker Wants Tax Break For 'Food Deserts'

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TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/NSF) - A South Florida lawmaker has proposed offering tax credits to businesses that sell large amounts of healthy food in low-income areas known as "food deserts."

The bill, filed by Sen. Dwight Bullard, D-Miami, seeks to boost the sale of food such as fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy products. Tax credits would be available to businesses that meet certain criteria, including getting at least 20 percent of their gross receipts from the sale of such types of healthy food.

The bill also would target areas with large numbers of low-income residents who live significant distances from supermarkets.

Lawmakers will consider the proposal during the legislative session that starts March 3.