South Central Reporter

Round 2 of the Illinois Grocery Initiative's "New Stores in Food Deserts" program is now open, offering $11 million in grants to support the development of grocery stores in underserved areas. This initiative aims to combat food insecurity by increasing access to fresh and nutritious food options.

Senator Plummer, a supporter of the initiative, played a role in passing legislation to ensure resources reach communities facing food insecurity.

Qualifying stores must fit specific criteria: they should be classified under certain codes in the 2022 North American Industry Classification System, be located in designated food desert census tracts, earn less than 30% of revenue from alcohol and tobacco sales, accept SNAP and WIC, and contribute to the diversity of fresh foods available locally.

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

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