The 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 grant program. This funding aims to support the preservation of existing rural grocery stores and enhance food access across the state for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. The Department of Commerce is tasked with prioritizing grants for current grocery stores before considering funding for feasibility studies to reopen grocery stores in communities lacking such facilities. Importantly, the funds cannot be used for food processing or offsite preparation operations.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Department of Commerce to establish guidelines for the grant awarding process. This initiative reflects a commitment to bolster rural communities by ensuring access to essential food resources while also providing a structured approach to grant distribution.