Illinois Grocery Initiative funding works to combat food deserts

Grants from the Illinois Grocery Initiative will help areas in the state that are currently considered to be food deserts.

New funding is available under the Illinois Grocery Initiative’s New Stores in Food Deserts, Equipment Upgrades and Grocery Rescue grant programs. The grants are part of a $26 million effort to combat food deserts and avoid closing grocery stores in communities statewide.

“The Illinois Grocery Initiative is a great benefit for areas of our state that have trouble finding fresh, healthy food nearby,” said State Senator Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Convenient access to grocery stores is a necessity for every Illinois resident, so I encourage all eligible entities in the 36th District to apply for the latest round of funding.”

The new Grocery Rescue Program supports efforts to reopen stores that have closed within the past 12 months. The program works to improve long-term food capabilities in areas with low access and prevent new food deserts from forming. Funding can be used to acquire or repair stores, refurbish property and equipment and some first-year operating costs.

The New Stores in Food Deserts Program will also support creating grocery stores in food deserts. This round of funding will add a pharmacy component to help address struggles some communities face, with access to prescription medications, flu shots and more. The grants will fund construction, renovation and operation costs for new stores’ first two years, including wages, utility costs and initial food inventory.

The Equipment Upgrades Program nding() provides funding for existing grocery stores to receive energy-efficient equipment. Priority will be given to those in food-insecure communities. This program boosts existing grocery stores and preserves access to fresh food, keeping new food deserts from forming.

The Illinois Grocery Initiative has distributed $19 million in funding since 2024, including almost $17 million to create eight grocery stores across the state and $2 million for equipment upgrades in 14 stores.

Applications for the New Stores in Food Deserts Program will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Dec. 9. Applications for the Grocery Rescue Program and Equipment Upgrades Program will be accepted on a rolling basis.

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