MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A total of $2.8 million will ensure all Milwaukee residents have access to healthy food. 

In the past few months, several grocery stores have closed in the city, turning several neighborhoods into so-called "food deserts." There are at least 13 federally recognized food deserts in the City of Milwaukee. 

That's why the Milwaukee Common Council unanimously passed a resolution directing the Department of City Development to work with the Milwaukee Health Department to "create strategies for the retention and attraction of full-service grocery stores and pharmacies."

"Today represents more than policy, it represents progress," said Milwaukee Alderman Russell Stamper. "Together we took meaningful action to address food apartheid, strengthen our businesses, and support the businesses that serve our residents every day. Because of this collaboration we now have the tools, the resources, and the framework to build a stronger more equitable system, one that delivers fresh, healthy, and quality food alongside accessible pharmacy services to every corner of our city."

Here's how some of the nearly $3 million would be distributed: 

• $30,000-$100,000 will go to support existing grocery stores for improvements. An extra $35,000 would incentivize them to hire locally. 
• About $1 million will go to help start new grocery stories 
• $500,000 will go to a "Fresh Food Fund" to get fresh food in our neighborhoods

They're also hoping to work closely with local farmers.