Governor JB Pritzker announced more than $10 million in grants through the Illinois Grocery Initiative on Thursday, providing critical funding to address food deserts and prevent grocery store closures across the state. The announcement, made in Venice, Illinois, includes $9.6 million through the New Stores in Food Deserts Program and $600,000 through the Equipment Upgrades Grant Program to support eight projects throughout Illinois, according to the Illinois governor's office.
Combating Food Deserts in Illinois
The Illinois Grocery Initiative, established through legislation signed into law by Governor Pritzker in August 2023, aims to address the significant challenge of food deserts in the state. More than 3 million Illinois residents—approximately a quarter of the state's population—live in food deserts, areas with limited access to affordable and nutritious food, as reported by Governing. The initiative represents a $20 million investment to support existing grocers and encourage new stores in underserved communities.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines urban food deserts as areas where residents must travel more than one mile to reach a grocery store or supermarket, while rural food deserts require travel distances exceeding 10 miles. These areas disproportionately affect low-income communities and are associated with higher risks of diet-related conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, according to Medical News Today.
Venice Grocery Store: A Community Transformation
Among the grant recipients, the City of Venice was awarded $2.4 million to establish a new grocery store—the first in the community in many years. The Venice grocery store will be constructed across from City Hall and the public library, with former Edwardsville public schools superintendent Ed Hightower serving as the primary investor. The city will own the building and lease the space to Hightower, as detailed by St. Louis Public Radio.
"The new Venice Grocery Store will do more than just stock shelves—it will put fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and healthy food options within walking distance for our residents," said former Venice Mayor Tyrone Echols at the announcement. The closest grocery stores for Venice residents are currently more than four miles away in Granite City, making the entire community a food desert by federal standards.
Grant Recipients Across Illinois
In addition to Venice, several other communities will benefit from this round of funding. AL RAAWI LLC in Marion received nearly $2.4 million for a new grocery store at the intersection of West Main Street and North Court Street, reports KFVS12. Willjo, Inc. of Marion was also awarded $132,234 through the Equipment Upgrades Grant Program for the replacement of a walk-in freezer and HVAC system.
In Champaign County, Angela Bradley's HeartStrong Grocery project in Urbana's Ward 3 received $2.4 million to address what has been identified as a food desert. The Urbana City Council had previously voted to provide up to $800,000 in matching funds for the project if it secured state funding, according to The News-Gazette.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Beyond improving food access, these grocery store projects are expected to stimulate economic development in their respective communities. The Venice grocery store, for instance, will employ 12 full-time workers and serve as an anchor for broader revitalization efforts, as reported by Spectrum Local News. Madison County Board Chairman Chris Slusser emphasized the importance of the project not only for food access but also for supporting economic development in the area.
The Illinois Grocery Initiative provides comprehensive support, including technical assistance through Western Illinois University and Chicago State University. This assistance encompasses business planning, marketing, financing, supply chain management, and workforce development, helping to ensure the long-term success of these new and upgraded grocery operations, according to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
Ongoing Funding Opportunities
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity continues to accept applications for the Equipment Upgrades Grant Program through December 15, 2025, or until funds are exhausted. Eligible applicants include independent grocers or cooperatives with fewer than 500 employees and no more than four grocery locations. This represents the second round of funding for both programs, following initial awards made in October 2024 that supported grocers in Chicago, Rockford, Peoria, and Carlinville.
"All Illinoisans, regardless of where they live, deserve reliable access to affordable and fresh food," said State Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign). "The Illinois Grocery Initiative has been essential in our efforts to make this a reality, and I am thrilled to see this second round of funding support," he added, as quoted by Illinois Senate Democrats.
With this latest round of funding, the Illinois Grocery Initiative continues to make progress toward its goal of eliminating food deserts throughout the state, creating jobs, and stimulating economic development in underserved communities.
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