A Rutherford County representative is working to lower grocery costs for Tennessee families by eliminating state sales tax on fresh fruits and vegetables. State Rep. Mike Sparks, R-Smyrna, has introduced House Bill 2086, also known as the Fresh Food Affordability Act, which would remove the state sales tax when purchasing fresh produce in Tennessee.
Many shoppers say they are feeling the financial strain at checkout. Heather Groves, a local shopper, said her monthly grocery bill runs $300 to $400. Josh Wallace, another shopper, spends $200 to $250 per week on groceries for himself and his wife.
"Affordability is a key issue right now. A lot of folks are having a hard time trying to get by," Sparks said.
Currently, the state tax on food is four percent, in addition to local sales tax rates that range from one percent to 2.75 percent. A shopper spending $100 on fresh fruits and vegetables would save around $6 under the proposed legislation.
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