“Scorched Earth” Restrictions in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, a city of 45,000 people has only one full-scale grocery store; lawmakers are fighting against the deed restrictions that keep grocery stores out of the city. These so-called “scorched earth” restrictions bar competitors from moving into a space another grocery store leaves vacant. This makes it especially difficult for grocery stores to fill the gaps closures leave because these businesses need such specialized spaces. A new Rhode Island law targets these practices so communities across the state have increased access to full-scale grocery stores. Our Health Equity advocates for practical solutions, like this law, that ensure widespread availability of nutritious and accessible food for all Americans. Read more here.