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Governor Newsom signs the Grocery Store Access Act

SACRAMENTO, CA –This week, Governor Newsom signed AB 1857, otherwise known as the Grocery Store Access Act. Co-Sponsored by the California Food and Farming Network (CFFN) and the Economic Security California Action (ESCA), the new law bans a corporate practice that has left communities without a grocery store for years. Grocery restrictive covenants are stipulations written into deeds and leases that prevent a grocer tenant from operating on the property. These restrictions can last for years and even decades.

Communities that have been directly impacted by grocery restrictive covenants have rallied hard behind AB 1857, seeing it as a strong solution to their current food access challenges. Tahoe City, a town that has been up in arms about the lack of food availability at the only grocer in town, supported AB 1857 because they saw it as a pathway to get another grocery store back into their community.

Organizations like the Los Angeles Food Policy Council don’t just see the bill as a step toward better food access, but as a way to increase consumer options and competitive pricing:

“The utilization of restrictive grocery covenants is another egregious example of corporate consolidation practices prioritizing profits over people. Restrictive grocery covenants strip communities of economic opportunities while reducing essential food access points, leaving communities with fewer options and higher grocery prices. We applaud Governor Newsom’s support of AB 1857, ensuring that the departure of one grocery retailer doesn’t prevent another from being established in its place.” Ana-Alicia Carr, Director of Policy and Coalitions with the Los Angeles Food Policy Council 

“The passing of AB 1857 into law signifies a step towards consumers gaining back their power. There are so many obstacles built into our economy that have allowed corporations to set the prices, not only for food but for healthcare, energy, etc. Californians are exhausted, and the California state legislature and Governor have recognized that we have to take these obstacles out, and what better way to start than with the basic human right of food?” Beth Smoker, Policy Director of the California Food and Farming Network. 

The bipartisan-supported bill also had support from several municipalities, and its passing signals a new era in the fight for food access, one in which California values the health and access of communities over the preservation of corporate and shareholder profits.

Contact: Angelica Sanabria, asanabria@foodfarmnetwork.org

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