The bill proposes the enactment of section 122.162 of the Revised Code to establish a food desert elimination grant program aimed at increasing access to healthy food options in areas identified as food deserts. A food desert is defined as a geographic area where residents have limited access to fruits, vegetables, and other healthful foods through grocery stores, farmer's markets, or other food providers, as identified by the USDA Food Access Research Atlas. The Department of Development will administer this program, which will provide grants to grocery retailers that meet specific criteria, including selling fresh produce and establishing stores in designated food deserts. The maximum grant amount for any individual retailer is set at $15,000 per fiscal year.

Additionally, the bill outlines the requirements for grocery retailers to qualify for the grants, including the necessity to sell healthful foods and to be located in a food desert. An application process will be developed by the Department, requiring documentation to verify the retailer's location and food offerings. Recipients of the grants will be required to submit quarterly reports detailing the use of state funds and the health impacts of the program. The bill appropriates $200,000 from the General Revenue Fund for the fiscal years 2025 and 2026 to support the activities of the food desert elimination grant program.