ROCKFORD – To address food deserts and prevent grocery store closures, State Senator Steve Stadelman joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in announcing over $2.2 million in grants for District 34 stores.
“Preventing grocery store closures is the key to reducing food insecurity, promoting healthy living and maintaining vibrant, self-sustaining communities,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Everyone deserves access to fresh, high-quality food.”
The New Stores in Food Deserts and Equipment Upgrades programs support the establishment of new grocery stores in USDA-defined food deserts and preserve access to fresh food in communities at risk of becoming food-insecure. Grants will fund construction, renovation and first-year operational costs for new stores, and will support existing grocery stores in securing energy-efficient equipment upgrades.
In Stadelman’s district, Rancho Supermarket in Rockford will receive $2.1 million for a full renovation and the establishment of a new store. The Belvidere Fiesta Market will receive nearly $160,000 for new, energy-efficient refrigerated produce cases.
“By supporting and expanding our local grocery stores, we’re creating jobs and ensuring no one has to travel outside of their community for basic necessities,” Stadelman said. “The Illinois Grocery Initiative is a vital step toward eliminating food deserts in our state.”
The second round of the New Stores in Food Deserts Program is accepting applications until Dec. 2, with grants available between $150,000 and $2.4 million. Interested parties are encouraged to review the Notice of Funding Opportunity and reach out to
A full list of grantees can be found here.
