CA SB18

Creates the Food Desert Elimination Grant Program under the Department of Food and Agriculture to expand access to healthy foods in food deserts and areas at risk of becoming food deserts

Establishes the Food Desert Elimination Fund in the General Fund and the California Equitable Food Access Account to receive nonstate, federal, and private funds for the program

Authorizes grants to grocery store operators (stores over 15,000 sq ft) and small-scale grocery stores (under 15,000 sq ft) for purposes including feasibility studies, employee salaries and benefits, rent or facility acquisition, capital improvements, and equipment purchases

Requires the department to report to the Legislature by January 1, 2028, on the number of grants awarded and locations of grant recipients

Program implementation is contingent upon legislative appropriation, and all provisions sunset on December 31, 2030