SE Illinois News

Grocers across the state of Illinois can now apply for grant funding to upgrade their equipment and combat food insecurity. The Pritzker Administration and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) have announced $3.5 million in new available grant funds as part of the Illinois Grocery Initiative Equipment Upgrades Program.

According to Senator Fowler, many small grocery stores in the state have outdated equipment that is costing them a fortune in energy bills. He stated, "A lot of these little grocery stores, their equipment like coolers and freezers are 60 years old. Their energy bills are through the roof." This program aims to provide financial support to these grocers and help them improve their energy efficiency.

The Equipment Upgrades Program is the first initiative launched under the Illinois Grocery Initiative. It is designed to support local grocers and combat food deserts in the state. The program will provide grants for equipment upgrades such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, refrigeration units and freezers, lighting systems, and other systems that significantly reduce energy consumption.

However, Senator Fowler also acknowledged the challenge of distributing the limited funds statewide. He said, "It's going to be interesting to see who, how and why some grocers are awarded and what that vetting process is going to be, $3.5 million is a lot of money, but statewide... it's not." The impact of the grants will depend on how the funds are distributed and utilized across the state.

Qualified grocers can apply for grants ranging from $25,000 to $250,000, with a 1:3 match requirement. The application deadline for this round of grants is March 25, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Interested grocers can visit the DCEO website to view the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and submit their applications.

To assist applicants in the grant application process, the DCEO will be hosting webinars on January 31 and February 8. These webinars will provide valuable information and guidance for potential grantees. Grocers are encouraged to reach out to CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov for any assistance they may need with their applications.

The Illinois Grocery Initiative Equipment Upgrades Program is a significant step in supporting local grocers and addressing food insecurity in the state. With the financial assistance provided through these grants, grocers will be able to upgrade their equipment and reduce their energy costs. This will not only benefit the grocers themselves but also the communities they serve, ensuring access to fresh and affordable food for all residents.