This bill proposes a one-time appropriation of $1,000,000 from the general fund to the North Dakota Department of Commerce for a rural grocery store sustainability and food access expansion grant program. The funding aims to support the preservation of existing rural grocery stores and enhance food access across the state during the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. The Department of Commerce is tasked with prioritizing grants for current rural grocery stores before considering funding for feasibility studies related to the establishment of new stores.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Department of Commerce to create guidelines for the distribution of these grants. This initiative is designed to address the challenges faced by rural grocery stores and improve food availability in underserved areas, ensuring that the funding is effectively utilized to support community needs.