Metro East lawmakers praise initiative to open independent grocers in food deserts

Local lawmakers say they’re excited about Gov. JB Pritzker’s $20 million proposal to increase food access in underserved areas around the state.

The Illinois Grocery Initiative would provide financial assistance to municipalities or local independent grocery stores opening in food deserts — whether rural or urban.

“It would be huge,” said Kevin Schmidt, R-Millstadt, who represents the 114th District. Schmidt’s newly drawn district covers a wide-ranging part of the Metro East: from rural areas like New Athens to urban communities by the Mississippi River.

“East St. Louis, that is a food desert,” Schmidt said. “It is a huge burden on the people.”

Schmidt pointed out that neighboring Cahokia Heights has a Walmart but said that’s not good enough.

Sen. Jil Tracy, R-Quincy, agreed with Schmidt. The Republican whip said getting grocery stores in food deserts is a worthwhile priority.