NY S04041

Creates the Sanitary Retail Food Store Grant Program, administered by the Department of Agriculture and Markets in cooperation with Empire State Development Corporation, to help food stores in food deserts correct sanitary violations they cannot afford to fix

Defines "critical deficiencies" as factors causing foodborne illness, including pest activity, unsanitary food contact surfaces, inadequate handwashing facilities, improper equipment for cleaning, and unsafe food storage temperatures

Requires eligible stores to demonstrate they are located in a food desert, lack funding to correct violations, cannot obtain credit or loans, and provide affordable nutritious food to the community

Mandates grant recipients submit a plan to correct deficiencies and maintain proper sanitation for at least five years, with grants approved and released every six months

Changes inspection consequences so stores with critical deficiencies requiring immediate action or failing three consecutive inspections must cease operations, but allows continued operation if the store qualifies for the grant program but was denied due to exhausted program funds