(a) Corner stores, farmers markets, and other small food retailers participating in the program established by § 2-1212.31 shall be strongly encouraged to:
(1) Apply to accept SNAP benefits;
(2) Apply to accept WIC benefits; and
(3) Employ District residents.
(b) Resources may be provided under § 2-1212.31 to assist corner stores, farmers markets, and other small food retailers in acquiring the technology necessary to accept SNAP and WIC benefits.
(c) As a condition of participating in the program established by § 2-1212.31, individuals or entities operating corner stores, farmers markets, and other small food retailers shall agree in writing to sell produce or other healthy foods for at least 3 years; provided, that this requirement shall not be enforceable if the individual or entity, or its successor, ceases all of its retail food sales operations.