KANKAKEE – In an effort to address the amount of food deserts in the state, State Senator Patrick Joyce joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in announcing a second round of grant funding for the Illinois Grocery Initiative’s New Stores in Food Deserts Grant Program.

“The amount of food deserts in the region is depriving people and families from fresh food options,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “The Grocery Initiative Act gives us the opportunity to upgrade existing stores and create new ones that are easily accessible. With this second round of funding from the program, it’s important all eligible entities apply so we can ensure residents have food on their tables.”

Under the Grocery Initiative Act, DCEO is required to provide grants and other forms of financial assistance to grocery stores located in or to be located in a food desert. 

The New Stores in Food Deserts Program awards will support the establishment of new grocery stores in USDA-defined food deserts. These grants will fund construction and renovation costs for new stores, as well as many first-year operations costs, such as employee wages, utility costs, initial inventory of food and more.

“Through the Illinois Grocery Initiative, the State of Illinois is changing lives and livelihoods by making it easier to put fresh food on the table,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “These grantees will make a significant impact on their communities and local economies by opening new stores and upgrading existing stores, and I encourage interested entities to explore opening new stores through the next round of this grant program.”

The second round of the Illinois Grocery Initiative’s New Stores in Food Deserts Grant Program will continue to build upon the state’s efforts to address food insecurity in communities across the state. Applications will be accepted until Dec. 2, 2024 at 5 p.m. To apply for the grant, visit the DCEO website.