NC H250

Creates the Healthy Food Small Retailer Fund within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to provide funding and assistance to small food retailers operating in food desert zones.

Defines food desert zones as census tracts with poverty rates of 20% or greater (or median family income at or below 80% of state median) and lacking adequate access to grocery stores (more than 1 mile in metropolitan areas or 10 miles in nonmetropolitan areas).

Authorizes use of fund moneys for equipment purchases (up to $5,000 per retailer), initial participation expenses (up to $100 per retailer), and technical assistance salaries (up to $1,500 per retailer) to help small retailers stock and promote nutrient-dense foods.

Requires small food retailers receiving funds to accept or agree to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Women, Infants and Children program benefits.

Establishes performance agreements between county/regional public health departments and small retailers, with provisions for equipment recapture if compliance terms are violated and allows retailers to purchase equipment at nominal cost after five years of compliance.