Three years ago, state and Atlantic City officials were confident that a new $18 million ShopRite , built through state money, would solve the resort’s long-standing food insecurity problems.

Gov. Phil Murphy assured his constituents in the highly profiled shore town that its days as a food desert “are soon to be over.”

Eventually, the deal with the grocery retailer, which would have brought Atlantic City its first full-time grocery store in 15 years, ended, leaving many to wonder if the resort, known for its glitzy billion-dollar casinos, would have a full-time store for commodities.

Officials now have a new plan to help make Atlantic City less of a food desert, with a $20 million investment to rehabilitate Renaissance Plaza.

The nearly 30-year-old outdoor shopping mall will be co

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