ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin announced that new funding is available under the Illinois Grocery Initiative’s New Stores in Food Deserts, Equipment Upgrades and Grocery Rescue grant programs – representing a $26 million effort to combat food deserts and avoid closing grocery stores in communities across the state.
“The Illinois Grocery Initiative is a great benefit for areas of our state that have trouble finding fresh, healthy food nearby,” said 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 backs efforts to reopen stores that have closed within the past 12 months. The program aims 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 a store, refurbish property and equipment, and some first-year operating costs.
The New Stores in Food Deserts Program will support the creation of 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 provides funding for existing grocery stores to receive energy-efficient equipment, with a priority for those in food-insecure communities. This program works to boost existing grocery stores and preserve access to fresh food, preventing new food deserts from forming.
Since 2024, the Illinois Grocery Initiative has distributed $19 million in funding, including close to $17 million for the creation of eight grocery stores across the state and $2 million for equipment upgrades in 14 stores. The latest funding round will continue this progress while working to reopen recently closed grocery stores.
Applications for the New Stores in Food Deserts Program will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Dec. 9, while applications for the Grocery Rescue Program and Equipment Upgrades Program will be accepted on a rolling basis.
