The Department shall, subject to appropriation, study food insecurity in urban and rural food deserts. The study may include an exploration of the reasons for current market failures, potential policy solutions, geographic trends, and the need for independent grocers, and it shall identify communities at risk of becoming food deserts. The study may also include a disparity study to assess the need for aspirational goals for ownership among minority, women, and persons with a disability as defined in the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act. The Department may enter into contracts, grants, or other agreements to complete this study. This report shall be submitted to the General Assembly by December 31, 2024. This Section is repealed on January 1, 2026.