The bill proposes a one-time appropriation of $1,000,000 from the state general fund to the 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 in North Dakota for 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 to reopen grocery stores in communities lacking such facilities.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the grant funding cannot be utilized for food processing or offsite preparation operations related to rural grocery stores. The Department of Commerce is also responsible for establishing guidelines for the grant awards, ensuring that the funds are allocated effectively to meet the program's objectives.