Pritzker Announces $26M in Grants to Support Independent Grocery Stores, Combat Food Deserts

Pritzker announces $26M in grants to support independent grocery stores, combat food deserts

Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced over $26 million in available grant funding Thursday, aiming to support independent grocers opening or operating stores in food deserts.

New State ‘Grocery Rescue Program’ Will Fund Reopening Of Grocery Stores To Combat Food Deserts – Block Club Chicago

Neighbors and local officials tired of “corporate abandonment” have pitched city-funded alternatives to support independent pharmacies. Just this June, Pritzker announced $25 million to support 434 Illinois pharmacies most at risk of closure or financial strain in rural and low-income communities.

Gov. Pritzker Announces $26 Million For Illinois Grocery Initiative Grant Program

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced over $26 million in available grant funding for the Illinois Grocery Initiative. This includes funding for the New Stores ($20.8 million) and Equipment Upgrades Grant Programs ($750,000). Illinois is also launching the new Grocery Rescue Program ($4.5 million), geared toward helping reopen grocery stores that have closed in the …

New State 'Grocery Rescue Program' Will Fund Reopening Of Grocery Stores To Combat Food Deserts

The program is part of the Illinois Grocery Initiative that is also seeking to support new pharmacies. Both programs come after the closure of Save A Lot and Walgreens stores on the South and West sides.

Hunter, Turner highlight continued investment to prevent food insecurity

State Senators Mattie Hunter and Doris Turner announced new funding opportunities under the Illinois Grocery Initiative. Together, the New Stores in Food Deserts, Equipment Upgrades and Grocery Rescue grant programs represent a $26 million effort to address food deserts and prevent grocery store closures in communities across the state. “All Illinoisans deserve access to fresh and healthy foods,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “The Illinois Grocery In…

Illinois releases $26M in grant funding for grocery stores

It includes money for new stores and equipment upgrades to prevent food deserts