ILLINOIS, USA — On Tuesday, Illinois launched the $14 million New Stores in Food Deserts Program, which aims to combat the lack of grocery stores in certain Illinois neighborhoods.
The new grant program will help new grocery stores open up in smaller communities and improve existing stores. Right now, residents in these neighborhoods have to travel at least 20 miles to get to the nearest grocery store.
The program is part of the state's $20 million Illinois Grocery Initiative announced last August.
Since the need is great in Illinois, grant awards will range from $160,000 to $2.4 million, with a 1:3 match requirement from businesses.
The funds will help with construction and renovation costs, and first-year operations costs.
To be eligible for grants, applicants must:
- Be located in a food desert area.
- Accept SNAP and WIC programs.
- Earn less than 30% of revenue from alcohol and tobacco sales.
- Contribute to a diversity of fresh foods available in the community by selling fresh foods such as meats, fruits, and vegetables that have not been processed.
Local government and independent grocers with less than 500 employees and no more than four locations can also apply.
The first round of applications are being accepted through May 24.
If you need help applying for the grant, the DCEO will host a webinar on April 17 and 23 for applicants.
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