NV SB282

Establishes the Grocery Initiative within the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants and technical assistance to grocery stores in food deserts and at-risk areas, with $10,000,000 appropriated from the State General Fund

Defines food deserts as census tracts meeting poverty thresholds (20% below federal poverty level or median income at 80% or less of state/metro median) where at least 33% of residents or 500+ people live more than 10 miles (rural) or 0.5 miles (urban) from a grocery store

Grants may fund feasibility studies, marketing, employee salaries/benefits, rent, building purchases, capital improvements, and equipment upgrades, with equipment upgrades capped at 20% of annual funding and prioritizing energy-efficient equipment

Eligible grocery stores must primarily sell groceries including fresh produce, accept SNAP/WIC benefits, sell perishable foods, and in counties of 100,000+ population derive no more than 30% of revenue from tobacco and alcohol

Council on Food Security must research food insecurity in urban and rural food deserts and submit recommendations to the 84th Legislature by February 1, 2027; appropriated funds must be committed by June 30, 2027