SE Illinois News

The Illinois Grocery Initiative has announced the opening of Round 2 for its "New Stores in Food Deserts" program. This initiative aims to improve access to fresh and nutritious food in underserved communities by offering $11 million in grants. The funding is intended to support the development of grocery stores in areas lacking fresh food options.

Senator Fowler, a supporter of this initiative, sponsored the legislation to ensure that communities facing food insecurity receive necessary resources.

To qualify for these grants, grocery stores must adhere to specific criteria. They should be classified as supermarkets or other grocery retailers under code 445110, meat retailers under code 44524, fruit and vegetable retailers under code 44523, or fish and seafood retailers under code 44525 according to the 2022 North American Industry Classification System. Additionally, they must be located in a food desert census tract as defined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), earn less than 30% of revenue from alcohol and tobacco sales, accept SNAP and WIC benefits, and contribute to the diversity of fresh foods available in their community.

Grant awards will range from $150,000 to $2.4 million. Applicants are required to meet a 1:3 match in funding. Eligible applicants include local governments and independent grocers or cooperatives with fewer than 500 employees and no more than four store locations.

The deadline for grant applications is December 2, 2024. More information and the full Notice of Funding Opportunity can be found on the DCEO website.