Belt announces $26 million for Illinois grocery grants

Three grant programs

State Sen. Christopher Belt of Swansea announced in grant opportunities through the Illinois Grocery Initiative. The statewide effort includes separate programs for new grocery stores, recently closed locations and equipment improvements at existing stores.

The Grocery Rescue Program can support the reopening of stores that closed within the previous 12 months. Eligible uses include acquiring a store, repairing or refurbishing property and equipment, and covering some operating expenses during the first year.

The Equipment Upgrades Program will help existing grocery stores buy energy-efficient equipment. Stores in communities facing food insecurity will receive priority, with the goal of keeping locations open and maintaining access to fresh food.

New stores and pharmacies

The New Stores in Food Deserts Program will pay for construction and renovation connected to new grocery stores in areas with limited food access. Grants may also cover employee wages, utilities and an opening inventory of food during a store’s first two years.

This funding round adds a pharmacy component intended to expand access to prescription drugs, flu shots and other pharmacy services. Applications for the new-store program are due by 5 p.m. Dec. 9. The rescue and equipment programs will accept applications on a rolling basis.

Metro East context

Belt pointed to the 2023 closures of Walmart in Cahokia Heights and Save-A-Lot in East St. Louis as examples of reduced grocery access in Metro East communities.

Since 2024, the Illinois Grocery Initiative has distributed. Nearly went toward eight new grocery stores statewide, while helped 14 stores upgrade equipment. The new grant round also extends assistance to stores seeking to reopen after recent closures.