NC S498

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

Defines food desert zones as census tracts with 20% or greater poverty rate and populations living more than 1 mile (metropolitan) or 10 miles (nonmetropolitan) from grocery stores or healthy food retailers.

Authorizes fund use for equipment installation (up to $15,000 per retailer), initial participation expenses (up to $100 per retailer), and technical assistance salaries for nutrition education and business operations.

Requires participating small food retailers to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and meet performance standards for stocking and promoting nutrient-dense foods under agreements with local health departments.

Mandates annual reporting to legislative committees on fund disbursements, geographic distribution, and health outcomes; allows Department to use up to 10% of funds for program administration.