1. A. The Healthy Food Retail Program may provide funding on a one-time basis for projects such as:

   1. 1. new construction of supermarkets and grocery stores;
   2. 2. store renovations, expansion, and infrastructure upgrades that improve the availability and quality of fresh produce;
   3. 3. farmers’ markets and public markets, food cooperatives, mobile markets and delivery projects, and distribution projects that enable food retailers in underserved communities to regularly obtain fresh produce; or
   4. 4. other projects that create or improve healthy food retail outlets as determined by LAFA.

2. B. Funding made available for projects included in Paragraph A of this Section may be used for the following purposes:

   1. 1. site acquisition and preparation;
   2. 2. construction costs;
   3. 3. equipment and furnishings;
   4. 4. workforce training;
   5. 5. security;
   6. 6. certain pre-development costs, such as market studies and appraisals; and
   7. 7. working capital for first-time inventory and start-up costs.

3. C. Applicants shall not use HFRP funding for the following:

   1. 1. the sole purpose of refinancing existing debt;
   2. 2. payment of any tax arrearages, government fines, or penalties;
   3. 3. political or religious activities;
   4. 4. buying out any stockholder or equity holder in the borrower’s business;
   5. 5. buying out or reimbursing any family member;
   6. 6. purchasing instruments or investments for the sole purpose of a return on investment; or
   7. 7. any other activity that LAFA sees fit.

Authority Note

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 3:296.

Historical Note

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Agriculture, Agriculture and Finance Authority, LR 48:295 (February 2022).