Business
Illinois Food Access: $26M Available for Grocery Stores
Kankakee, IL – Illinois is making $26 million available through three grocery grant programs aimed at expanding access to fresh food, reopening recently closed stores and helping existing grocers rema
By Cameron Hayes · 2026-09-22T09:38:50.876Z
Kankakee, IL – Illinois is making $26 million available through three grocery grant programs aimed at expanding access to fresh food, reopening recently closed stores and helping existing grocers remain in business.
According to a Sept. 21 announcement from state Sen. Patrick Joyce, D Essex, the funding is being offered through the Illinois Grocery Initiative's New Stores in Food Deserts, Grocery Rescue and Equipment Upgrades programs.
The new Grocery Rescue Program is designed to help reopen grocery stores that closed within the previous 12 months in areas with limited food access. Funding may cover store acquisition, property and equipment repairs, renovations and certain first year operating expenses.
The New Stores in Food Deserts Program supports new grocery stores in qualifying communities. This funding round also adds a pharmacy component intended to improve access to prescription medications, flu shots and other pharmacy services.
Grants can cover construction and renovation expenses, as well as employee wages, utilities and initial food inventory during a new store's first two years.
The Equipment Upgrades Program provides funding for energy efficient improvements at existing grocery stores, with priority given to stores serving food insecure communities.
Joyce said the additional funding is intended to combat food insecurity and help communities maintain access to grocery stores.
According to Joyce's announcement, the Illinois Grocery Initiative has distributed $19 million since 2024, including nearly $17 million toward eight new grocery stores and $2 million for equipment improvements at 14 stores.
Applications for the New Stores in Food Deserts Program are due by 5 p.m. Dec. 9. Grocery Rescue and Equipment Upgrades applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Current political details in this article are based on the provided Sept. 21 release; live web verification was not available in this chat.