Ohio is riddled with food deserts. Affordable, accessible fresh foods and healthy options for grocery shopping are not available to as many as 2 million residents. A report this year by the Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies found 67 counties with at least one food desert, though in some counties, there are several.

And it’s not just rural populations suffering. Nearly 60% of Cleveland residents are in food deserts. WTOL reports the U.S. Department of Agriculture calls most of Toledo a food desert.

Now, Ohio House members have created House Bill 543, to “Create a food desert elimination grant program.”

It sits in the House Community Revitalization Committee.

The measure would give selected stores (not major chain grocery stores) grants of up to $15,000 per year to stock and sell fresh products. The focus would be on convenience and corner stores where much of what is sold is highly processed, high in sugar and less healthy than fresh options.

While the idea is a good one, there are questions: At approximately $288 a week, will stores be able to stock what their customers need to eat healthier? If so, how long will the program last? Will stores be able to sustain such inventory if funding is cut off?

Lawmakers should give the bill serious consideration, but they must also ask questions that could perhaps lead to even better solutions.

There is no doubt action MUST be taken in addressing the number of food deserts (and those affected) in Ohio. The trick will be finding the right recipe.