1. (a) The Department shall designate a grocery ambassador to assist retailers of healthy foods in this State by:

   1. (1) providing research and data on eligible areas with insufficient grocery access;
   2. (2) coordinating with the Department and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and other relevant State agencies;
   3. (3) providing assistance to small grocery retailers in this State, including obtaining and expediting regulatory procedures; and
   4. (4) providing other assistance as needed.
2. (b) The Department and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity may issue grants, on a competitive basis, for the establishment of a commercial distribution system for fresh produce and healthy foods.

(Source: P.A. 102-1049, eff. 1-1-23.)