Related video: Community members creating front yard food pantries to help with delays in SNAP benefits

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — As the government shutdown leaves three million Floridians without SNAP benefits, State Rep. Michele Rayner, D-St. Petersburg, has introduced a bill that addresses "food deserts," aiming to help give residents better access to healthy food by targeting food-insecure areas.

The legislation, titled House Bill 337, authorizes local governments to enact land development regulations permitting land to be used for small-footprint grocery stores selling nutrient-dense food, including fresh fruits and vegetables.

By giving local governments the authority to approve land for these stores, it would potentially stimulate economic development while addressing a critical

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