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Illinois Grocery Initiative

The Illinois Grocery Initiative, authorized by Public Act 103-0561, is intended to address inadequate access to fresh foods, especially in “food deserts.” Food deserts are defined as census tracts meeting specific criteria related to poverty and access to fresh foods. Food deserts may exist in both urban and rural areas.

The Illinois Grocery Initiative includes the following components:

New Stores in Food Deserts Grant Program

  • The New Stores in Food Deserts program combats food insecurity by offering competitive grants to support the establishment of new grocery stores in food deserts.
  • Local units of government and small businesses (with fewer than 500 employees and no more than four existing grocery stores) are eligible to apply.
  • Grants provide reimbursement to eligible applicants for both capital and non-capital costs associated with establishing sustainable grocery stores located in food deserts.
  • Applications for the first round of the program through the competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process closed on May 24, 2024. Four applicants – from Carlinville, Chicago, Peoria, and Rockford – received funding in the first round. See the Governor’s press release for more details.
  • DCEO began accepting applications for the second of funding for New Stores in Food Deserts on October 3, 2024.

Equipment Upgrades Grant Program

  • The Illinois Grocery Initiative Equipment Upgrades Grant Program provides grants for energy-efficient equipment upgrades for existing independently owned for-profit grocery stores, cooperative grocery stores, or not-for-profit grocery stores.
  • The first round of Applications closed on March 25, 2024; the seven awardees are listed in the Governor’s press release. 
  • DCEO expects to offer a second round of funding for equipment upgrades later in 2024.

Technical Assistance

DCEO has contracted with Western Illinois University and Chicago State University to provide technical assistance services for Illinois Grocery Initiative applicants and grantees. Those desiring assistance may contact these institutions directly.

Chicago State University
Derrick K. Collins Dean
College of Business O (773) 995-3976 M (312) 953-1295 dcolli25@csu.edu

Western Illinois University Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs
Sean Park
217-248-0079
ms-park@wiu.edu