Pritzker signs $20 million program into law to help eradicate food deserts across Illinois

Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the Illinois Grocery Initiative into law on Friday — a $20 million state program to invest in local grocery stores across the state to curb food deserts and food insecurity.

“Too often residents have to cross county lines — sometimes state lines — to pick up bread, milk and produce,” said Pritzker, who signed the bill in Venice, a Metro East town of around 1,500 along the Mississippi river. The entirety of Venice sits in a food desert, more than a mile from a store or supermarket, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“We know that without access to healthful foods, people living in food deserts remain at higher risk of diet related conditions, such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” said Venice Mayor Tyrone Echols.

Part of Pritzker’s budget proposal this year, this initiative will support existing grocers and encourage new stores to open in underserved parts of the state through incentive opportunities and grants through the state Department of Commerce and Economic Development.

The program could also help local governments attract a small independent grocer or fund upgrades to aging equipment.

“A grocery store anchored in and run by people in the neighborhood is more likely to survive,” Pritzker said.