Access to fresh produce is a major public health issue. Millions of residents live in neighborhoods designated as food deserts, where fresh fruits and vegetables are completely unavailable. Shoppers in these areas must rely on expensive convenience stores selling highly processed snacks. In 2026, New York is tackling this crisis directly. Lawmakers are expanding the Food Retail Establishment Subsidization for Healthy Communities Act. This initiative, known as the FRESH program, provides vital financial support to build and sustain supermarkets in underserved regions. Here is how the program expands grocery access in key cities this April.
