Section 3603 - [Expires Effective 8/29/2027] Grants and financial support(a) This bill codifies the Program under the Delaware Grocery Initiative.(b) The Division shall, subject to appropriation and in consultation with the Council, establish the Delaware Grocery Initiative to expand access to healthy foods in food deserts in Delaware and areas at risk of becoming food deserts in Delaware by providing grants and other forms of financial assistance to an eligible food resource, nonprofit food resource, local governmental unit food resource, or specialty grocer. The Division may:(1) Enter into contracts, grants, or other agreements to administer the Delaware Grocery Initiative.(2) Place limits on the size of the food resources that are eligible for grants and other financial assistance under this initiative.(3) Award grants and other financial assistance to eligible food resources, nonprofit food resources, local governmental unit food resources, or specialty grocers based on poverty rates, income, geographic diversity, local ownership, access to food resources in the area surrounding proposed project locations, and other factors as determined by the Division.(4) Award grants and other financial assistance for any one or more of the following: equipment, capital expenses, operational expenses, administrative expenses, supplies or other costs as determined by the Division.(c) The Division shall coordinate with the Council to share information and findings from the Healthy Food Retail Initiative to inform and make available technical assistance and counseling to Program participants. The Division may rely on the Division's regional business managers to provide one-on-one counseling to the Program participants and assist Program participants to navigate regulatory processes, streamline compliance requirements, and access capital and other funding opportunities.Added by Laws 2023, ch. 373,s 1, eff. 8/29/2024, exp. 8/29/2027.